Hyderabad, October 24, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior IAS officer D. Amoy Kumar, currently serving as the Secretary of Animal Husbandry in Telangana, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the second consecutive day on Thursday in connection with an ongoing investigation related to a land dispute. The ED is probing possible money laundering in the case, which dates back to when Kumar served as the Collector of Rangareddy district.
Eight Hours of Questioning
On Wednesday, Kumar was questioned for eight hours by ED officials regarding the land dispute case. The questioning resumed on Thursday, with the agency expected to complete the recording of his statement by the end of the day. While Kumar has not been named as an accused in the case, the ED summoned him as a witness, indicating that they may examine his role in the broader context of the dispute.
The Land Dispute Case Background
The case originated from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by Maheswaram police in Rangareddy district, following a private complaint lodged in court by Dastagir Shareef. The complaint alleged that several individuals, with the collusion of revenue officials, fraudulently acquired succession rights, manipulated revenue records, and issued illegal passbooks for 42.33 acres of land in Nagaram village, Maheswaram mandal.
The land, worth several crores, was allegedly transferred illegally. Shareef claimed that he and Muzaffer Hussain Khan purchased the land from Mohammed Akber Ali Khan and Mohammed Farooq Ali Khan, who had inherited it from their father, Nawab Haji Khan, through an oral gift. Based on the court’s direction, the police registered an FIR and began their investigation. Mandal Revenue Officer R.P. Jyothi and others were named in the FIR.
ED’s Investigation Focus: Money Laundering and Land Records
The ED’s involvement centers on potential money laundering activities related to the fraudulent land transfers. The agency is also probing land allotments made during Kumar’s tenure as Collector of Rangareddy and Medchal Malkajgiri districts. Allegations have surfaced that irregularities were committed in changing land records under the Dharani system, which was introduced by the previous BRS government to digitize land records.
The ED is specifically looking into land allotments to private individuals and businessmen during this period and is assessing whether these transactions were conducted unlawfully. Amoy Kumar’s role is being scrutinized due to his involvement in overseeing land allotments and administrative responsibilities during his time as district collector.
Possible Ramifications
While the investigation is ongoing, the questioning of a senior bureaucrat like Amoy Kumar has raised eyebrows in the state’s administrative circles. The outcome of the probe could have significant implications, particularly if irregularities or illegalities in land transfers and allotments are uncovered.
The ED’s focus on money laundering adds a financial dimension to the land dispute, and any findings related to fraudulent transactions could lead to further legal proceedings against those involved. For now, Kumar remains a witness, and the agency continues its efforts to gather crucial evidence in the case.
All eyes on outcome of investigation
As the Enforcement Directorate wraps up its questioning of IAS officer D. Amoy Kumar, all eyes are on the outcome of the investigation into the land dispute case. The allegations of fraud, money laundering, and illegal land transfers have already implicated several officials and private individuals. Whether the probe will uncover further involvement remains to be seen, but the case has already highlighted the need for greater scrutiny of land dealings in Telangana.
