State PCS - Jharkhand (JKPSC)

• 23 Apr 2025

Bokaro Forest Land Scam

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. 
    • The Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946 (for ED) and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Act, 2003 (for CV Commissioners) have been amended to give the government the power to keep the two chiefs in their posts for one year after they have completed their two-year terms.