ED seizes properties of 2 engineers in Jharkhand's MNREGA scam

• ED seizes properties worth Rs 22.47 lakh of 2 engineers in Jharkhand's MNREGA scam
• Total of Rs 106.86 crore attached/seized by ED in the case; 3 arrests made so far
• Investigation based on 16 FIRs; raids on premises of engineers and IAS officer yield cash and documents

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken significant action against two engineers, Shashi Prakash and Jai Kishore Chaudhary, in connection with the MNREGA scam in Jharkhand. Immovable properties worth Rs 22.47 lakh belonging to the executive engineers have been temporarily seized by the ED. This marks the fourth seizure action undertaken by the ED in the MNREGA scam, with a total of Rs 106.86 crore already attached or seized in the case.

So far, three individuals, including Ram Binod Prasad Sinha, suspended IAS officer Pooja Singhal, and CA Suman Kumar, have been arrested in connection with the scam. Additionally, three prosecution complaints have been filed before the ED Special Court in Ranchi. The ED has based its investigation on 16 FIRs registered by the Jharkhand Police regarding the embezzlement of Rs 18 crore in MNREGA work in Khunti. Earlier raids conducted by the ED on May 6, 2022, resulted in the recovery of substantial cash and documents from the residences of the accused engineers and IAS officer Pooja Singhal.