Jharkhand HC notice to minister Alamgir Alam, CM Hemant Soren's aide over graft charges

RANCHI: Jharkhand High Court has issued notices to state rural development minister Alamgir Alam and chief minister Hemant Soren’s close aide Pankaj Mishra in a case here on Tuesday. The court also ordered the state government and CBI to file their affidavits in the matter.
The HC was hearing a petition filed by a Pakur-based businessman, Shambhu Nandan Kumar. Kumar alleged in his petition that Alam had tried to use his influence in manipulating an auction of a toll-tax centre on Barharwa Road in Pakur in which both Kumar and the younger brother of the minister were contesting.
The minister apparently wanted the auction to be in favour of his sibling for which he had threatened Kumar with dire consequences. Pankaj Mishra had also called Kumar and tried to use his clout to deter Kumar from participating in the auction. Alam was pitching for Ingicons Pvt Limited, a company owned by his younger brother.
Kumar lodged a written complaint with the Barharwa police station against Alam and Mishra on June 21, 2020. Kumar moved the HC after the police sat tight on the matter taking no steps in the investigation. Kumar said despite specific complaints made before the police, they have not taken any action against the accused.
After Kumar said there is threat to his life, the HCt directed the Pakur SP to ensure that security is provided to the petitioner. Kumar has also sought a CBI probe into the matter as the police are trying to save the accused who are political big shots in the state, argued his counsel. The case will be heard again after four weeks.