Jharkhand minister Alamgir Alam, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, was remanded in central agency custody for six days by a special PMLA court in Ranchi, lawyers said on Thursday. Alam was arrested on Wednesday in connection with his investigation into a money laundering case.
Alam’s lawyer Kishlay Prasad said his six-day remand will begin on Friday, adding that he is in judicial custody today. “There is no specific accusation against Alam. Everything is vague. They also do not reveal the name of the person who took the money or the proceeds of crime. There is no direct participation of the minister. Cash was recovered from one Jahangir who has no link with Alamgir Alam,” Prasad said.
Alam’s lawyer also cited the 70-year-old minister’s health condition in court, while opposing the ED’s plea for remand.
“He suffers from sleep apnea, so his oxygen level is reduced during the night. Therefore, it needs oxygen. That support was even provided by Alam’s family during ED custody on Wednesday night. He is also a hypertension and diabetes patient,” Prasad said.
“The court stated that necessary medical assistance will be provided during the remand period,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the minister was produced before the PMLA court in Ranchi amid tight security, an Education Department official said.
The money laundering investigation is related to alleged irregularities and bribery in the state’s rural development department.
The Congress leader was arrested after a six-hour interrogation by the ED on Wednesday at the agency’s office in Ranchi. He was also questioned by the federal agency on Tuesday for more than nine hours and his statement was recorded.
The state Parliamentary Affairs Minister represents the Pakur seat in the Jharkhand assembly.
He came under the radar of the ED, following the recent arrest of his personal secretary and state administrative service officer Sanjeev Kumar Lal (52) and the latter’s domestic help Jahangir Alam (42). The central agency recovered over Rs 32 million cash from an apartment linked to them during a raid on May 6.
(With input from PTI)