Political Tensions Surround ED Raids Linked to Jal Jeevan Mission Probe

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches related to money laundering involving the Jal Jeevan Mission in Jharkhand. The raids on over 20 locations have sparked political tension, with accusations of political motivation as elections approach. Opposition members have criticized the ruling party for corruption and declining governance.

In a move that has stirred political waters, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches on Monday in connection to the money laundering investigation tied to alleged irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission. These raids spanned over 20 locations in Ranchi and Chaibasa, targeting premises associated with key political figures and officials.

The operation included the residence of IAS officer Manish Ranjan and associates of the state's Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister, among others. The developments have prompted Jharkhand's Chief Minister Hemant Soren to accuse the opposition of orchestrating the raids for political gain as the assembly elections draw near.

Meanwhile, Minister Mithilesh Kumar Thakur criticized the raids as politically motivated, alleging that central agencies are being used to pressure political rivals into submission. With assembly polls imminent, the ED's actions have escalated tensions, inviting scrutiny over the use of investigative bodies in politically sensitive timings.

(With inputs from agencies.)