Did the Jharkhand HC Deny Bail to Ex-Minister Alamgir Alam in Tender Scam Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jharkhand High Court denies bail to Alamgir Alam.
- Alamgir Alam has been in custody for 14 months.
- ED investigations uncover a tender-commission scam.
- Significant cash recoveries indicate a large-scale corruption scheme.
- Alam resigned from key political positions following his arrest.
Ranchi, July 11 (NationPress) The Jharkhand High Court has dismissed the bail application of former state minister and senior Congress figure Alamgir Alam concerning a significant money laundering investigation tied to a tender-commission scam within the state's Rural Development Department.
Alam, who has been in judicial custody for over 14 months, encountered a setback as the bench led by Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad denied his bail request. The court had previously reserved its ruling on June 20 after listening to arguments from both parties.
During the hearings, advocate Zoheb Hussain represented the Enforcement Directorate (ED) through video conferencing, while senior advocate S. Nagamuthu defended Alamgir Alam.
The former minister sought relief from the High Court after his bail request was turned down by the Special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) Court in Ranchi. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful in this attempt as well.
On May 15 of the previous year, the ED arrested Alam in connection with an investigation into an alleged commission racket operating within the Rural Development Department.
Prior to this, on May 6, the ED conducted extensive searches at the properties of Alam's Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Sanjeev Lal, his domestic aide Jahangir Alam, and numerous contractors.
The operations resulted in the recovery of Rs 30 crore from Jahangir Alam's residence, Rs 2.93 crore from contractor Munna Singh, and Rs 2.14 crore from contractor Rajiv Singh.
Investigations unveiled a large-scale commission racket involved in the tender awarding process, with a substantial amount allegedly redirected to Alamgir Alam.
Alam was a notable member of the Jharkhand cabinet, serving as the second-in-command minister under both Hemant Soren and Champai Soren. He also held the role of leader of the Congress Legislature Party in the state assembly, resigning from both positions shortly after his arrest.