ED Seizes Two Land Parcels Valued at Rs 74 Crores in Ranchi Land Scam Investigation

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has taken action against a group involved in the Ranchi land scam case, provisionally attaching two land parcels with a total worth of Rs 74.39 crore. According to an official statement, the first parcel, located in Bariatu, has an area of 4.55 acres, with an estimated commercial value of Rs 41.51 crore, whilst the second, situated in Bajra, comprises 7.16 acres and is valued at Rs 32.87 crore. Both parcels were granted to land mafias fraudulently through the forging of legacy records, in collusion with officials from the Land Revenue Department. 

The ED initiated an investigation following an FIR filed by Ranchi Municipal Corporation, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code against Pradip Bagchi, leading to the apprehension of 10 individuals, all of whom are currently in judicial custody, including employees of RIMS and the Land Revenue Department. The investigation also uncovered evidence of forged seals and bribes, which were seized during 41 searches and five surveys. 
 
As a result of the ED’s findings, the Ranchi Police have registered an FIR against a member of the Land Revenue Department under various sections of the IPC and the evidence recovered has been shared with the Jharkhand government. Furthermore, the Registrar of Assurance in Kolkata has filed a comprehensive investigation into the matter. 
 
On Monday, the ED filed a prosecution complaint based on the evidence collected and has obtained orders to send the original records to the Directorate of Forensic Science in Gandhinagar for a forensic examination of the forged records. 
 
This action by the ED highlights the efforts being taken to uncover corruption and fraudulent practices in the land sector, which is essential for ensuring transparency and the rule of law.