The appointment of IAS officer Pooja Singhal, who is out on bail in a money laundering case linked to the MGNREGA scam, as Secretary of the IT Department and CEO of Jharkhand Communication Network Ltd. has sparked a controversy in the state.
Despite legal objections from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which had filed an application in the Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Court requesting that she not be assigned to any department, the state government proceeded with her appointment.
The ED expressed concerns that if Singhal were given an official position, she might misuse her authority and influence the ongoing case.
A 2000-batch IAS officer, Singhal was arrested for allegedly embezzling crores of MGNREGA funds in Khunti. After spending 28 months in jail, she was granted bail by a special PMLA Court in Ranchi on December 7, 2024.
Following her release, the state government revoked her suspension and reinstated her with effect from the same date. The special PMLA Court has reserved its order after hearing arguments from both sides on Monday, with the next hearing scheduled for February 27.
The BJP has questioned Pooja Singhal’s appointment despite ED’s objections.
Veteran BJP MLA and former minister CP Singh criticized the move, alleging that those accused of looting the state exchequer are being given key positions again.
The JMM countered, arguing that Singhal is only an accused, not a convict, and accused the BJP of politicizing the issue. JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey stated that there is no restriction from the PMLA court on her posting.
Pandey also pointed out that during the BJP’s tenure, IAS officers facing inquiries, such as Sajal Chakravarty and Pradeep Kumar, were given significant roles.
Also Read: Controversial J’khand IAS officer Pooja Singhal back in action
