Bail Denied for Accused Sanjay Tiwari in Rs 100 Crore Mid-Day Meal Scam Case in Ranchi

Ranchi: The special court of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has rejected the bail plea of Sanjay Tiwari, a key accused in the Rs 100 crore mid-day meal scam case. Tiwari has been in custody since November 22, 2021, and his plea for release has been turned down by the court.

The scandal involves the alleged illegal transfer of around Rs 100 crore meant for mid-day meals from the State Bank of India’s Dhurva branch to 34 accounts associated with Bhanu Construction. The Dhurva police station filed an FIR in connection with this financial irregularity, leading to the subsequent involvement of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). In 2021, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) took over the case, registering it under case number ECIR 3/2021.

Aside from Sanjay Tiwari, the accused include Raju Verma and Suresh Kumar. The trio faces serious allegations related to the misappropriation of funds intended for the mid-day meal program, a scheme crucial for providing nutrition to schoolchildren. The court’s decision to deny bail underscores the gravity of the charges and the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged embezzlement of public funds.

The legal proceedings in this case emphasize the commitment to holding those involved accountable for financial misconduct, particularly when it impacts essential social welfare programs like the mid-day meal initiative. Further developments in the trial are anticipated as the investigation continues under the purview of the Enforcement Directorate.