Ranchi: In a notable development, suspended IAS officer Pooja Singhal, who was arrested in connection with the high-profile MNREGA scam, has approached the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) Court in Ranchi seeking the release of her passport to facilitate travel to the United States.
Singhal and her husband Abhishek Jha have filed a joint petition stating that the purpose of the visit is to secure admission for their daughter in an educational institution in the U.S. The petition is scheduled for hearing on June 12.
Background: Arrest in MNREGA Scam Case
Pooja Singhal, a senior bureaucrat in Jharkhand, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on May 11, 2022, in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to the alleged embezzlement of MNREGA funds during her tenure as Deputy Commissioner in several districts.
Prior to her arrest, the ED conducted raids at 25 locations, including her official residence and the office of her chartered accountant. During these raids, the agency seized ₹19.31 crore in cash, which became a focal point of the investigation.
Bail After 28 Months in Custody
Singhal spent 28 months in judicial custody before being granted bail by the PMLA special court on December 7, 2024. Her bail was granted under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, a provision that allows bail if an undertrial has served more than one-third of the maximum possible sentence without conviction.
The court acknowledged that she had spent a significant duration in custody without the trial reaching conclusion, making her eligible for bail under the updated criminal procedural code.
Request to Travel Raises Eyebrows
The latest request to travel abroad, particularly to the U.S., has triggered renewed public and legal interest due to the serious nature of the charges still pending against her. It is not yet clear whether the ED will oppose the plea. Legal observers suggest that the court is likely to seek assurance regarding her return and compliance with ongoing legal proceedings before granting any such permission.
The outcome of the hearing on June 12 will determine whether Pooja Singhal is permitted to leave the country amidst an unresolved money laundering case.
