The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today seized mobile phones and documents while investigating a land scam in the Kanke block area of Ranchi, Jharkhand. The action is part of a broader probe into money laundering connected with the land deals.
The ED team verified disputed land in Kanke, scrutinized land documents, and recorded statements from residents. The investigation primarily targets land dealer Kamlesh Singh, who is currently absconding despite repeated summons from the agency. Singh has been summoned for questioning on July 12.
Earlier, the ED raided Singh's house, recovering Rs one crore in cash and 100 live cartridges. During today's investigation, the ED seized the mobile phones of the Kanke Circle Officer and Circle Inspector, reportedly finding evidence of bribery.
Additionally, the ED confiscated a register related to an election boycott. Villagers had threatened to boycott the Lok Sabha elections unless action was taken against the land mafia but agreed to participate after assurances from the Circle Officer.
The ED converted the survey of the Kanke block office into a search operation on Wednesday, seizing numerous incriminating documents. These documents suggest a deep nexus between top-level officials and land mafias.
Following a raid on June 21, ED Assistant Director Devvrat Jha wrote to Jharkhand DGP Ajay Kumar Singh, demanding comprehensive action. A case was also registered against Kamlesh under the Arms Act at Ranchi's Kanke police station.
Kamlesh is accused of creating fake documents to acquire land worth several crores and accumulating significant property over the past decade. Sources revealed that Kamlesh operated under the protection of senior officials in the administration and police.
Shekhar Kushwaha, an associate of Kamlesh involved in creating fake land documents, provided information about Kamlesh's activities. Kushwaha was arrested earlier in the case on June 12.
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