Jharkhand News: Hearing on Former Minister Alamgir Alam’s Discharge Petition Concludes, Order Reserved | Tender Commission Scam

Ranchi, December 02, 2024: The hearing on the discharge petition of former minister Alamgir Alam in the Tender Commission Scam case has concluded in the special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The court has reserved its judgment, marking a significant juncture in the ongoing investigation that has unveiled allegations of corruption and financial misconduct.

Accusations Against Alamgir Alam

Alamgir Alam, accused of accepting commissions in tender allocations, was arrested on May 15, 2024, by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The arrest followed extensive investigations linking him to the scam that has already implicated several high-profile individuals, including suspended chief engineer Virendra Ram.

The case centers around allegations of systematic corruption in tender allotments, with officials and intermediaries reportedly extracting hefty commissions. Alamgir Alam’s discharge petition seeks to challenge these charges, claiming lack of evidence directly implicating him in the scam.

ED’s Investigative Actions

The ED investigation into the Tender Commission Scam gained momentum with a series of raids beginning in February 2023. Targeting multiple locations linked to suspended engineer Virendra Ram, including properties in Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Patna and Delhi, the raids revealed substantial evidence. Virendra Ram and other associates were subsequently arrested, setting the stage for further scrutiny of officials connected to the scam.

In May 2024, the ED conducted another round of raids on the residences and offices of Alamgir Alam’s close aides, including his officer on special duty (OSD), Sanjeev Lal. During this operation, investigators seized ₹32 crore in cash from the premises of Jahangir Alam, an associate of Alamgir Alam’s OSD.

Legal Developments

The special court has already rejected discharge petitions filed by other key accused, including Virendra Ram and his family members. Alamgir Alam’s petition marks the latest effort by the accused to seek relief from prosecution.

The prosecution has argued that the evidence uncovered during the ED raids, including financial records, cash seizures and communications, establishes a strong link between Alamgir Alam and the corrupt practices under investigation.

Implications of the Case

The Tender Commission Scam has highlighted systemic corruption within public tender allocations, raising concerns about governance and accountability in administrative processes. The case has drawn widespread attention, with the ED emphasizing its commitment to pursuing individuals implicated in such large-scale financial frauds.

Alamgir Alam’s case remains pivotal, with the court’s forthcoming decision expected to shape the trajectory of the investigation and its broader implications on combating corruption.