Did the ED Uncover a Major Land Scam in Ranchi and Delhi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ED conducted raids in Ranchi and Delhi.
- Cash seized totaled Rs 59 lakh.
- Key figures are under investigation.
- Land records were forged to facilitate illegal transactions.
- Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the scam.
New Delhi, Sep 25 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive search operations across nine locations in Ranchi and Delhi on September 23, in accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, relating to a significant land scam case.
The searches targeted the premises of Brajesh Kumar Singh, identified as a key figure in the land scam syndicate, along with other associates.
The ED commenced its investigation following numerous First Information Reports (FIRs) lodged by the Jharkhand Police against a land-grabbing syndicate and its affiliates.
As stated by the agency, Kamlesh Kumar, the principal accused, was apprehended on July 26, 2024, and a Prosecution Complaint has been filed against him and five others in the Special Court (PMLA), Ranchi.
The investigation under the PMLA has unveiled that the accused, in a criminal conspiracy with government officials, including circle officers, manipulated official land records to unlawfully acquire and trade extensive tracts of non-saleable tribal, government, and Bhuinhari lands.
In the recent search operations, the ED confiscated a significant amount of incriminating materials, including various deeds and agreements concerning the fraudulent transactions of land, along with several digital devices.
Additionally, unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 59 lakh was seized during the operations.
Previously, a raid at Kamlesh Kumar's premises led to the recovery of Rs. 1.02 crore in unaccounted cash and 100 rounds of live ammunition.
The agency has requested the confiscation of this seized cash, with further investigations underway.
On Tuesday, the ED executed a series of raids in Ranchi and Delhi as part of its investigation into a multi-crore scam involving tribal-owned land.
Sources indicate that over six locations in Ranchi and three in Delhi were scrutinized by ED officials.
Among those under investigation are the alleged land mafia Kamlesh Kumar Singh and B.K. Singh, owner of Kanke Resort, whose properties are being examined.
The raids also encompass individuals closely connected to them, including property dealers and document facilitators.