ED Issues Formal Notice to Jharkhand Chief Secretary's Wife in Berlin Hospital Land Case
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has escalated its investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding land acquisition for the Berlin Hospital project in Ranchi by issuing a formal notice to Preeti Kumar, the wife of Jharkhand's Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar. The central probe agency is seeking comprehensive documentation and detailed information regarding her commercial interests in the controversial hospital land deal.
Seeking Documentation on Alleged Irregularities
According to official sources, the ED notice specifically demands all relevant documents pertaining to the information Preeti Kumar previously provided during her questioning at the agency's Ranchi office. This move indicates the investigation is progressing from preliminary inquiries to a more formal evidence-gathering phase. The central agency is examining potential violations of financial regulations and possible money laundering aspects in the hospital land acquisition process.
Previous Questioning and Ongoing Scrutiny
This development follows Preeti Kumar's earlier appearance before ED officials, where she was questioned extensively about her involvement and financial interests in the Berlin Hospital project. The agency's renewed focus suggests investigators have identified specific areas requiring further clarification and documentary evidence. The notice represents a significant step in the probe, moving beyond verbal testimony to demand tangible proof and records.
Context of the Berlin Hospital Land Controversy
The Berlin Hospital land acquisition has been under scrutiny for several months amid allegations of procedural irregularities and potential favoritism in the allocation process. The ED's involvement highlights the case's transition from administrative concerns to potential financial misconduct investigation. As the wife of the state's highest-ranking bureaucrat, Preeti Kumar's commercial interests in the project have drawn particular attention from investigative agencies.
The Enforcement Directorate's notice underscores the agency's systematic approach to the case, methodically building its investigation through documented evidence rather than relying solely on testimonial accounts. This development marks a crucial phase in the ongoing probe that could have significant implications for understanding the full scope of the alleged irregularities in the Berlin Hospital land acquisition.
