Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to investigate money laundering charges against junior engineer of rural development department, Suresh Prasad Verma (58) from whose possession Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) had seized cash around Rs 2.44 crore besides documents of immovable assets worth around Rs 63 lakh during a raid in November last year.
ACB had lodged FIR in this regard and accused are facing trial before the court.
ED on Thursday lodged FIR against Verma and his tenant Alok Ranjan (30) on the basis of the FIR findings of ACB. ED will investigate this case under provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
ACB is investigating disproportionate asset and corruption charge whereas the ED will probe money laundering charge.
Posted in Saraikela-Kharswan district, Verma was caught red-handed by ACB while accepting Rs 10000 as bribe from a contractor Vikash Kumar Sharma.
Accused had demanded Rs 28000 as bribe from complainant for the payment of outstanding dues against road construction work done him.
After his arresting ACB carried raids at his residence in East Singhbhum district were ACB agency discovered sale deeds, documents related to investment, jewellery and cash worth Rs. 63 lakh besides cash worth Rs 2.44 crore.
Cash was recovered from the room of Alok Ranjan, who as the tenant of accused was living at first floor of his house. During questioning Ranjan disclosed that the cash belonged to Verma and on his insistence, it found its way to his room.