Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has sharply criticised the Jharkhand government for reposting a clerk—under an active Income Tax investigation—back to the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT). Marandi alleged that postings in key and lucrative departments are now being made on the basis of “corruption capability”.
Return Of Clerk Caught With ₹51 Lakh Raises Questions
Marandi highlighted the case of Rajesh Pandey, an Upper Division Clerk posted in Bokaro’s DMFT office. Pandey was caught with ₹51 lakh in cash on the night of August 28. Although the money was seized, the police did not arrest him and instead forwarded the matter to the Income Tax department. Despite this pending investigation, he has been reinstated in the same influential department. Marandi added that nearly a dozen employees removed earlier have also been reposted after just six months.
“What Is The Compulsion?” Asks Marandi
The BJP leader questioned the government’s intent, asking what compulsion led to reinstating a tainted employee in a “malaidar” (lucrative) department like DMFT. He warned that people are watching everything, and those appearing “fearless” today will turn “cowardly” once law enforcement takes action.
Illegal Tendu Leaf Operations Alleged In Forest Department
Marandi also targeted the Forest Department, accusing Ranger Prince of running a major corruption racket beyond transfer-posting deals. Prince, holding charge of multiple divisions—Simdega West, Simdega East, and Gumla—allegedly carried out illegal tendu leaf collection even from non-permitted forests, used forged purchase documents, and misused transport permits to store illegal tendu leaf sacks in registered shops. Marandi claimed these acts generated significant illegal earnings.
