The Enforcement Directorate has attached properties worth ₹82.77 crore, including a super speciality hospital and a diagnostic centre in Ranchi, in connection with the money laundering probe against Jharkhand Mining Secretary Pooja Singhal.
Two land parcels located in Ranchi have also been attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The investigation is based on multiple First Information Reports registered by the State police and vigilance bureau.
The probe “revealed that proceeds of crime (PoC) generated from the MNREGA scam in the form of commission were deposited in different bank accounts belonging to Pooja Singhal and her relatives. The said PoC was mixed and layered with the other unaccounted money generated by Pooja Singhal, by misusing her official position.”
According to the agency, the funds were deployed as capital and investments for the further generation of illicit income. “By this modus-operandi, Pooja Singhal amassed huge wealth disproportionate to her known source of income and source of funds invested in these immovable properties were primarily from the unaccounted cash profits generated from these PoC,” it said on Thursday.
Ms. Singhal was arrested by the ED on May 11, and a chargesheet filed against her on July 5. Two other accused persons were arrested by the agency in the same case.
