Former Jharkhand minister Alamgir Alam was released from Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi on Thursday, following the Supreme Court's decision to grant him bail in a money laundering case. The case is linked to an alleged tender scam being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Supreme Court's Decision and Conditions for Release
A division bench of the Supreme Court had allowed Alam's bail on Monday, directing the trial court to set the terms and conditions for his release. The order reached the special PMLA court in Ranchi on Wednesday, prompting Alam's legal team to file a petition seeking the determination of release conditions.
The court mandated Alam to furnish two bail bonds of Rs 1 lakh each, with one bailor being a close relative and the other a local resident of Ranchi. Additionally, Alam is required to submit his passport and must not change his mobile number or Aadhaar address without court permission.
Release and Reactions
Alam's advocate, Kislay Prasad, confirmed that after fulfilling the conditions, Alam was released from Birsa Munda Central Jail. The bailors included Alam's wife and Pakur MLA Nishaat Alam. Speaking briefly to the media, Alam stated, "I was framed in a false case due to political vendetta by opposition parties." A large gathering of Congress workers and supporters was present outside the jail to welcome him.
Background of the Case
The ED initiated an investigation into the tender commission scam after conducting raids at the premises of Alam's personal assistant, Sanjeev Kumar Lal, and his associate Jehangir Alam. During the operation, the ED recovered Rs 37 crore. Alam was arrested on May 15 following interrogation in connection with the case.
About the Author: Sanjay Sahay, with over a decade of journalism experience, primarily covers crime, security, central agencies, and civil courts in Ranchi. He also writes on higher education policies.
