Ranchi — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into a multi-crore tribal land scam by raiding nine premises in Ranchi and Delhi on Tuesday.
According to sources, six locations in Ranchi and three in Delhi were searched. Officials examined property documents, financial accounts, and electronic evidence linked to suspected land dealers, builders, and middlemen.
In Ranchi, operations were carried out at Kanke Resort, Sukhdev Nagar on Ratu Road, Kadru, Bariatu, and Ashok Nagar. In Delhi, the raids targeted properties tied to well-known land brokers and their networks.
The investigation revolves around fraudulent transactions in Chama Mouza under Kanke block. Authorities allege that tribal-owned plots were converted into general land through forged records and later sold for huge sums. The earnings are believed to have been laundered into legitimate channels.
Key individuals under probe include alleged land mafia figure Kamlesh Kumar Singh and resort owner B.K. Singh. Associates involved in documentation and land transfers are also under scrutiny.
This case has been on ED’s radar for months. Earlier, in July 2024, the agency had inspected land records and government registers to verify disputed parcels under the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act.
The current raids are being carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Investigators suspect fake deeds and manipulated revenue papers were used to illegally acquire tribal land before laundering the profits through real estate and other ventures.
With inputs from IANS