In a significant relief for Ms. Pooja Singhal, a 2000-batch Jharkhand cadre IAS officer, the special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court has dismissed a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which sought to bar her from being assigned any department. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court ruled in her favor.
Court Declines to Intervene
The ED had contended that if the state government assigned Ms. Singhal a department, she could misuse her position and influence the ongoing case. However, the court stated that the state government has the authority to decide her posting and declined to interfere.
Arrest and Investigation Details
Ms. Singhal was arrested by the ED on May 11, 2022, in connection with the MNREGA scam. Before her arrest, on May 5, 2022, the agency had conducted raids at 25 locations linked to her, uncovering unaccounted money and undisclosed investments. Officials seized Rs. 19.31 crore in cash from the residence and office of her chartered accountant — Suman Singh.
Current Status: Appointed as IT Secretary
Following her release on December 7 under the BNS Act, Ms. Singhal’s suspension was revoked as per legal provisions. Despite being an accused in the money laundering case, the government has appointed her as Secretary, Department of Information Technology and e-Governance.
