Jharkhand News: Former Kanke CO Diwakar Prasad Dwivedi Took 3.50 Crores in Exchange for 43 Acres of Land, Major ED Investigation Reveals

Ranchi, November 16, 2024: In a significant revelation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered crucial details in a major land scam involving a former Circle Officer (CO) of Kanke, Jharkhand. The investigation centers around Diwakar Prasad Dwivedi, who allegedly accepted a sum of 3.50 crores from land dealer Kamlesh Singh in exchange for facilitating control over 43 acres of prime land.

ED Uncovers Major Findings in Land Scam Investigation

The ED’s investigation, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), has shed light on how the fraudulent transaction was carried out. According to the findings, forged documents were used to facilitate the land transfer, implicating Diwakar Prasad Dwivedi and other accomplices, including officials and private individuals.

Sources within the ED reported that the case was initiated following multiple complaints regarding the unlawful seizure of land in Jharkhand. The initial inquiry revealed that Diwakar Prasad Dwivedi, during his tenure as the Circle Officer of Kanke, played a pivotal role in enabling the illegal transaction.

Details of the 3.50 Crore Exchange Revealed

According to the charge sheet, Diwakar Prasad Dwivedi received the payment in multiple installments. The first installment amounted to 20 lakh rupees, followed by subsequent transfers to complete the 3.50 crore sum. The ED has also uncovered evidence pointing to bank transactions and property records that substantiate these claims.

Kamlesh Singh, a known land dealer in the region, orchestrated the scheme by leveraging forged auction documents to obtain control over the 43-acre land parcel. Investigative reports indicate that Diwakar Prasad Dwivedi and Kamlesh Singh conspired with other individuals, including Jaykumar Ram and Arvind Sahu, who are suspected to have aided in the fabrication of the false documents.

Involvement of Former Kanke CO Diwakar Prasad Dwivedi

The investigation has highlighted the role of former CO Diwakar Prasad Dwivedi in facilitating the transaction. His position provided him with significant authority over land records and transfers, which he allegedly misused for personal gain.

“The involvement of high-ranking officials in this scam points to systemic issues within the land administration framework,” said an official close to the investigation.

Widespread Implications of the Land Scam

The case has triggered widespread concern about the integrity of land transactions in Jharkhand. The ED’s findings not only implicate government officials but also reveal a network of intermediaries who facilitated the illicit activities. Other individuals named in the investigation include Ranjan Singh, who is suspected of coordinating the financial transactions and Rekha Devi, who is believed to have provided logistical support.

This investigation underscores the growing concern over land-related fraud in Jharkhand, where disputes and illegal land deals have become common. The ED’s probe into this case may lead to further revelations about similar operations and potential policy changes aimed at preventing such fraudulent activities in the future.

Forensic Analysis and Future Proceedings

The ED is currently conducting a forensic audit of the bank accounts linked to Diwakar Prasad Dwivedi and other involved parties. Preliminary reports suggest that the transactions were routed through multiple accounts to obscure the money trail.

The ED has filed a charge sheet, which includes documented evidence of the land scam, financial records and testimonies from witnesses. The investigative agency is expected to summon additional witnesses and may file supplementary charges as more information emerges.

Reactions and Next Steps

The uncovering of this scam has sparked reactions from political leaders and civil society groups, who have demanded stringent action against those involved. The ED’s findings could potentially lead to more arrests and stricter oversight mechanisms for land transactions in the state.

“We need robust policies to prevent the misuse of power and to ensure transparency in land dealings,” said a prominent member of a local anti-corruption watchdog.

With further investigations underway, the ED aims to dismantle the network of corruption surrounding this case and ensure accountability at all levels.