In a significant move, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided 25 locations across Jharkhand on the morning of Monday, October 14, in connection with IAS officer Manish Ranjan. The raids, which began early in the day, caused a stir in Ranchi, particularly on Harihar Singh Road, where ED teams stormed an apartment linked to the officer.
The ED's operation spans the state, with raids targeting properties associated with Ranjan’s relatives and government officials, including the premises of engineers and Vinay Thakur, the brother of Jharkhand government minister Mithilesh Thakur. These raids are part of an investigation into alleged corruption in the Jal Jeevan Mission, a central government project aimed at providing clean drinking water to households.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously raised concerns about corruption in the scheme during a public rally in Hazaribagh, accusing the Jharkhand government of siphoning funds. The ED's recent action appears to be a direct response to these allegations, as properties linked to senior officials have come under scrutiny.
The raids have further fueled political tensions in Jharkhand, especially with state elections on the horizon. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Hemant Soren-led government of mismanaging funds meant for public welfare.
As the ED's investigation into the Jal Jeevan Mission scam unfolds, political ramifications are becoming evident. With IAS officer Manish Ranjan and several government officials under scrutiny, the case could have far-reaching implications for Jharkhand’s political landscape.
