The MNREGA scam was investigated by the ED at 36 sites in May, and they found and confiscated Rs 19.76 crore in cash.
Digital Desk: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) found two AK-47 rifles at the residence of Prem Prakash, who is known to be a close friend of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Prem Prakash's Jharkhand home was searched by ED investigators for evidence in the illegal mining case, and they claimed to have discovered two AK-47s hidden inside an iron almirah.
According to reports, the relevant authorities will be notified about the discovery of these illegal firearms, and it is possible that Prem Prakash will be the target of a separate case under the Arms Act.
The officials stated that searches were carried out at Prem Prakash's home following specific information about him and his alleged connections to Hemant Soren.
In addition to Prem Prakash's premises, the ED is searching 16 additional locations across the illegal mining case in Jharkhand, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi-NCR. Sources claim that CM Hemant Soren is also being investigated by the ED on this issue.
The financial investigation agency had earlier stated in a statement, "The evidence gathered throughout the investigation, including testimony from various people, digital evidence, and papers, showed that the bank balance and the cash that were confiscated were from the illegal mining that was taking place all across the Sahibganj area, including the forest area. A trail of an additional Rs 100 crore worth of criminal income from illicit mining had also been found and was still being investigated."
In accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the ED also seized Rs 11.88 crore from 37 bank accounts belonging to Hemant Soren's close associates, including his MLA representative Pankaj Mishra.
On July 8, authorities in Jharkhand's Sahibganj, Barhet, Rajmahal, Mirza Chauki, and Barharwa found damning documents and 5.34 crore rupees in unaccounted-for cash.
Five illegally run stone crushers and five unlawful gun cartridges were also seized by the ED from the location.
The MNREGA scam was investigated by the ED at 36 sites in May, and they found and confiscated Rs 19.76 crore in cash.
The homes of IAS officer Pooja Singhal and her coworkers were among the searched properties.
The majority of the cash was collected from illegal mining and belonged to prominent bureaucrats and politicians, according to evidence gathered during the investigation, including that gathered during searches and comments from various people, the ED said in an earlier statement.
Suman Kumar, a chartered accountant, and Pooja Singhal were both arrested by the ED and are currently in jail.
The agency has so far taken Rs 36.58 crore that was allegedly obtained illegally through mining.
Leave A Comment