Ranchi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a series of raids across Jharkhand’s capital, Ranchi, as part of an investigation into a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission. The raids targeted more than 20 locations, including the residences of government officials, contractors, businessmen, and individuals with political connections.
The probe focuses on potential embezzlement of funds in the Jal Jeevan Mission, a central government scheme aimed at providing safe drinking water to rural households. Among those under scrutiny are IAS officer Manish Ranjan and staff associated with Jharkhand’s drinking water and sanitation minister, Mithilesh Kumar Thakur.
This action follows an FIR filed by the state police, with allegations suggesting misuse of allocated funds during the implementation of the water scheme. The investigation comes at a politically charged time, with Jharkhand set to hold its state elections soon.
(inputs from agencies)