Former Jharkhand minister Alamgir Alam, who was imprisoned for nearly two years in a corruption and money laundering case related to the state’s Rural Development Department, has been granted bail. Alam’s release from Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi followed a Supreme Court decision and the completion of formalities with his wife providing surety. Alam and his private secretary had been in judicial custody since May 2024 and had sought relief from higher courts before approaching the Supreme Court.
Supporters gathered outside the jail to celebrate Alam’s release, which was met with criticism from the Opposition. Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi questioned the jubilation, emphasizing that Alam had not been acquitted but granted interim relief due to age and health reasons. Marandi highlighted the corruption allegations, including a significant cash seizure from Alam’s associate’s residence, cautioning that corruption stains are not easily erased.
The corruption case involves an alleged tender commission scam within the Jharkhand Rural Development Department. The Enforcement Directorate revealed that contractors were purportedly forced to pay commissions for government tenders, with a portion allegedly reaching the former minister. Significant cash amounts were seized during raids, leading to Alam’s arrest in connection with the case in May 2024.
