What Led to the ED Seizing Rs 24.70 Lakh in the NH-74 Scam?
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate's recent crackdown on a corruption scandal has led to the seizure of Rs 24.70 lakh linked to a PCS officer in the NH-74 scam. With further investigations revealing significant misconduct in land acquisition processes, this case highlights the urgent need for transparency in government dealings. Stay tuned for the latest updates!
Key Takeaways
- ED seized Rs 24.70 lakh linked to the NH-74 scam.
- D.P. Singh, a PCS officer, is implicated in the fraud.
- Fraudulent compensation payments led to a loss of Rs 162.5 crore.
- Investigation continues with multiple complaints filed.
- Corruption in land acquisition processes highlights the need for government transparency.
Dehradun, June 27 (NationPress) – The Enforcement Directorate has confiscated Rs 24.70 lakh along with crucial documents during coordinated operations at seven locations across Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh related to a case involving a provincial civil service (PCS) officer based in Dehradun, as reported by officials on Friday.
D.P. Singh, a senior PCS officer currently serving as the Executive Director of Doiwala Sugar Mill in Dehradun, was subjected to these searches on Thursday, stated an official announcement.
The ED revealed that Singh, who previously held the position of Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) in Uttarakhand, conspired with various Revenue Officers, Land Consolidation Officials, landowners, middlemen, and others to misappropriate government funds by manipulating land usage through backdated orders.
This conspiracy resulted in inflated compensation payments to landowners at non-agricultural rates, exceeding the legal and expected compensation, according to the ED.
In pursuit of his ulterior motives, Singh engaged in fabrication and forgery, creating backdated entries in revenue records/documents, which were then presented as legitimate while distributing compensation for land acquired for the expansion of NH-74 and NH-125. This operation led to an estimated loss of Rs 162.5 crore to the government treasury, stated the federal investigative agency.
The ED has already attached movable and immovable assets worth around Rs 43 crore from various individuals implicated in this case.
As investigations continue against these officials and landowners, seven Prosecution Complaints have been lodged with the Special Court (PMLA) in Dehradun.
Last year, the ED had previously attached immovable properties valued at Rs 7.89 crore in land located at Vallah village in Amritsar district, in addition to movable properties worth Rs 2.40 crore related to the same scam.
The ED initiated its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following an FIR filed by the police.
During the investigation, it came to light that five brothers – Ajmer Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Gurvail Singh, Sukhwant Singh, and Satnam Singh – managed to obtain backdated forged orders, which were subsequently recorded in the revenue documents in collusion with revenue officials and middlemen.
As a result, they fraudulently collected excessive compensation amounting to Rs 15.73 crore for their land, acquired for the expansion of NH-74 at a non-agricultural rate.
The ED's investigation also uncovered that this illicitly obtained money was utilized for purchasing immovable assets in their names or transferred to their personal bank accounts or those of their relatives.
Point of View
It is imperative to underscore the importance of accountability and transparency within government operations. The ED's actions signify a crucial step towards addressing corruption and restoring public trust. Such investigations should serve as a reminder that integrity in governance must be upheld to ensure the welfare of citizens.
NationPress
27/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NH-74 scam?
The NH-74 scam involves fraudulent land acquisition practices linked to government officials, leading to inflated compensation payments to landowners.
How much money was seized by the ED?
The Enforcement Directorate seized Rs 24.70 lakh during searches related to the NH-74 scam.
What actions has the ED taken in this case?
The ED has conducted simultaneous searches, seized funds, attached properties, and filed prosecution complaints against implicated individuals.
Who is D.P. Singh?
D.P. Singh is a senior provincial civil service officer involved in the NH-74 scam, currently serving as the Executive Director of Doiwala Sugar Mill.
What was the estimated loss to the government?
The estimated loss to the government treasury due to the scam amounts to approximately Rs 162.5 crore.
