On Monday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched raids across 20 locations in Jharkhand as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The raids targeted individuals linked to state Minister Mithilesh Thakur, including his personal secretary Harendra Singh, IAS officer Manish Ranjan, and businessman Vijay Agarwal.
The ED teams carried out searches at various sites in Ranchi and Chaibasa, focusing on the residences of Vijay Agarwal on Ratu Road, Harmu, and Morhabadi, as well as the homes of IAS officer Manish Ranjan and Harendra Singh, the personal secretary of the minister.
Additionally, security forces stationed at these locations ensured the smooth execution of the raids.
During the operation, officials reportedly seized several documents and electronic devices.
Case Narrative
The investigation stems from complaints of corruption and discrepancies in the execution of the Jal Jeevan Mission across multiple districts in the state.
The ED is expanding its probe based on multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) filed in various cases.
Mithilesh Thakur, who holds a key position in the Hemant Soren-led government and represents the Garhwa Assembly constituency, is under increasing scrutiny.
While the ED has not directly targeted the minister yet, there is speculation that the investigation could eventually involve him as the probe deepens.
These raids come on the heels of similar ED actions over the past weekend, which were related to a separate money laundering investigation involving a land scam.
On 8 October, the ED had raided several officials, including the Dhanbad District Transport Officer and circle officers in Ranchi, Dhanbad, and Patna.
Numerous documents were also seized during these searches.
The recent focus on the Jal Jeevan Mission has garnered significant attention, particularly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns during a public meeting in Hazaribagh about the alleged irregularities in the scheme.
Complaints about the mismanagement of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide safe drinking water to households via tap connections, have been circulating for some time, prompting the need for an intensified investigation.
As Jharkhand braces for its upcoming Assembly elections, the timing of the ED’s actions has added to the political tension in the state.
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