The Enforcement Directorate’s Ranchi Zonal Office has lodged a Prosecution Complaint against Santosh Kumar, Lalita Sinha, and M/s Rockdrill Constructions (OPC) Private Limited under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The case involves alleged embezzlement of government funds in the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, Swarnarekha Head Works Division, Ranchi. Santosh Kumar, a former cashier-cum-upper division clerk, is accused of misappropriating around Rs. 22.86 crore from the Government Treasury.
The investigation uncovered a scheme where funds were diverted using fake payee IDs and manipulation of dormant DDO codes. These tactics were allegedly employed to execute unauthorized transfers and cover up illicit transactions. The ED revealed that the embezzled money was funneled into legitimate assets, such as a plot of land in Ranchi and a Toyota Innova Crysta vehicle, among other investments.
Authorities also discovered significant sums channeled into jewelry, mutual funds, and fixed deposits. Following searches at 26 locations, the ED seized Rs. 55.08 lakh in unaccounted cash and pertinent documents exposing systemic corruption. Properties valued at about Rs. 2.18 crore have been provisionally attached, with confirmation from the Adjudicating Authority under PMLA. The ED confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
