ED Seizes Rs 3 Crore Linked to Jharkhand Mining Scam in Raid on CM Hemant Soren’s Associate
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/16th July 2024
In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) reportedly seized around Rs 3 crore in cash from the premises of Heera Bhagat, a close associate of Pankaj Mishra, who is a representative of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The seizure occurred on Friday and is part of an ongoing investigation into a large-scale mining scam in the region.
According to ED sources, the recovered amount of Rs 2 crore is believed to be linked to illegal stone mining activities. The counting of the seized cash is still underway. Pankaj Mishra is allegedly involved in the illegal stone mining business and is known to have close ties with the Chief Minister’s office.
The ED’s action against Mishra included raids at about 18 locations across Jharkhand. These raids are part of a broader money laundering investigation under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The locations searched include Sahibganj, Berhait, and Rajmahal, which are all connected to a tender scam.
The ED’s crackdown is aimed at uncovering the extent of the illegal mining operations and the flow of illicit money. The investigation into Mishra and his associates is ongoing, with further details expected as the probe progresses. This latest development highlights the serious allegations of corruption and illegal activities linked to high-profile individuals within the state.
The ED’s operation underscores the agency’s commitment to tackling money laundering and corruption at all levels. The raids and subsequent cash seizures are a crucial step in uncovering the depth of the illegal mining scam and holding those responsible accountable. The involvement of individuals closely connected to the state’s political leadership adds a significant dimension to the investigation, drawing attention to the need for stringent measures against corruption.
As the investigation continues, the spotlight remains on the ED’s efforts to dismantle the network of illegal mining and financial misconduct in Jharkhand. The agency’s actions serve as a reminder of the ongoing battle against corruption and the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. With further developments anticipated, the public and authorities alike are closely watching the case unfold, hoping for justice and a crackdown on corrupt practices.
