Bokaro Forest Land Scam | 23 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

On 22 April 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided multiple locations across Jharkhand and Bihar in connection with the Bokaro forest land scam. 

 Key Points 

  • Nature of the Case: 
    • The raids are linked to a major money laundering probe involving illegal acquisition of 74.38 acres of forest land in Bokaro district. 
    • Allegations suggest that the land mafia colluded with administrative officials to transfer the disputed land to a private company. 
    • ED is investigating individuals associated with Umayush Multicom Private Limited, the company that purchased the land. 
    • The land remains under legal dispute, with the Forest Department claiming it is protected forest land, while buyers argue it was legally acquired in a 1933 auction under British rule. 
    • ED launched raids across 15 locations in Jharkhand and Bihar which includes Manmohan Construction, Bokaro Forest Department, Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Zonal Registration Office in Bokaro. 

 Bokaro Forest Land 

  • Location and Area: 
    • Bokaro Forest Division is entirely within Bokaro District in eastern Jharkhand. It encompasses 543.933 sq km of forestland. 
  • Historical Context: 
    • Prior to independence, the forests were part of the Ramgarh Raj and were later managed by other divisions before becoming Bokaro Forest Division in 1997. 
  • Geographic Features: 
    • The forests are located within the Chota Nagpur plateau and are geographically diverse, with various types of forest ecosystems. 
  • Significance: 
    • The division plays a crucial role in the conservation and management of forest resources in the Bokaro region. 

 Enforcement Directorate (ED) 

  • About: 
    • The ED is a multi-disciplinary organization mandated with investigation of offences of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. 
      • It functions under the Department of Revenue of the Ministry of Finance. 
    • As a premier financial investigation agency of the Government of India, the ED functions in strict compliance with the Constitution and Laws of India. 
  • Structure: 
    • Headquarters: ED with its headquarters at New Delhi, is headed by the Director of Enforcement. 
      • There are five regional offices at Mumbai, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kolkata and Delhi headed by Special Directors of Enforcement. 
    • Recruitment: Recruitment of the officers is done directly and by drawing officers from other investigation agencies. 
      • It comprises officers of IRS (Indian Revenue Services), IPS (Indian Police Services) and IAS (Indian Administrative Services) such as Income Tax officer, Excise officer, Customs officer, and police. 
    • Tenure: Two years, but directors’ tenure can be extended from two to five years by giving three annual extensions.