Enforcement Directorate seizes assets from former Uttarakhand CM aide

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized assets worth approximately Rs 1.28 crore from Chandan Singh Jeena, a former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat. The searches, conducted in Dehradun, are part of an investigation into alleged irregularities regarding the 2016 Gram Panchayat Vikas Adhikari examination conducted by the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC).

According to the ED, the seizure includes Rs 32 lakh in unaccounted cash, 200.5 grams of gold in the form of coins and chains, and 12 luxury wristwatches from brands such as Rolex, Rado, and Piaget. The investigation alleges that OMR answer sheets were diverted from secure custody to a private residence to facilitate fraudulent activity.

In response, Uttarakhand opposition leaders Yashpal Arya and Ganesh Godiyal have questioned the timing of the raids. They noted that the matter dates back to 2016 and argued that the decade-long delay in taking action suggests political motivations by the central government as elections approach.