The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to former Rural Development Minister of Jharkhand Alamgir Alam and his former Personal Secretary Sanjeev Lal in connection with a high-profile money laundering case being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
A bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice N Kotiswar Singh heard the bail pleas of both accused and ordered their release after considering submissions from both sides.
During the hearing, the ED opposed the bail petitions, arguing that the case was “extremely serious” and related to alleged commission payments and money laundering.
The agency informed the court that statements of four key witnesses were yet to be recorded despite earlier directions issued by the apex court. The ED also expressed apprehension that the accused could influence witnesses if released on bail.
Counsel appearing for Alamgir Alam argued that the former minister is 77 years old, has been in custody for more than two years, and suffers from health-related issues. The defence further submitted that no cash or incriminating material had been recovered directly from his possession.
After hearing both parties, the Supreme Court directed that both Alamgir Alam and Sanjeev Lal be released on bail.
The case stems from extensive ED raids conducted on May 6, 2024, at premises linked to Sanjeev Lal, Jahangir Alam and others. During the searches, the agency recovered Rs 32.20 crore in cash from premises associated with Jahangir Alam.
The ED also recovered Rs 10.05 lakh in cash and a diary from Sanjeev Lal’s residence. According to investigators, the diary allegedly contained records of commission payments and coded references to beneficiaries involved in the distribution of illicit funds.
Based on the seized cash and documents, the ED arrested Sanjeev Lal and his associate Jahangir Alam on May 7, 2024. Subsequently, former minister Alamgir Alam was summoned for questioning and was arrested late on May 15, 2024, after two days of interrogation.
As part of the probe, the ED has attached assets worth Rs 4.42 crore linked to Sanjeev Lal. The agency has also seized the Rs 32.20 crore cash recovered from Jahangir Alam’s premises.
In addition, properties worth Rs 39 crore belonging to former chief engineer Virendra Ram have also been attached during the course of the investigation.
Also read: Ranchi sees one-hour Census self-enumeration drive
Follow us
