Sat Dec 07 11:16:38 UTC 2024: ## Jharkhand IAS Officer Pooja Singhal Granted Bail in Money Laundering Case

**Ranchi, [Date]** – Suspended Jharkhand cadre IAS officer Pooja Singhal has been granted bail by a special PMLA court in a money laundering case linked to alleged corruption in the implementation of the MGNREGA scheme. Singhal, who has been in custody since May 11, 2022, was released on Saturday after fulfilling bail conditions including furnishing two bonds of Rs 2 lakh each and surrendering her passport.

The court’s decision follows a two-day hearing of Singhal’s bail plea. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had arrested Singhal, a former state mines department secretary, accusing her of money laundering and seizing over Rs 36 crore in cash during raids on properties linked to her and others. These raids, conducted in connection with alleged illegal mining activities, also targeted premises linked to her husband and associates. The ED’s investigation focuses on alleged corruption within the MGNREGA rural employment program.

Singhal’s interim bail was previously granted by the Supreme Court for two months in February 2023 to allow her to care for her ailing daughter. Following her arrest, she was suspended from her position.

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