Congress Leader Harish Rawat Appears Before ED in Dehradun
Former Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat appears before the ED in Dehradun regarding the 2016 UKSSSC recruitment examination irregularities.
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Dehradun on Saturday. The veteran Congress leader arrived at the agency's premises to address summons related to alleged irregularities in the 2016 Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) Gram Panchayat Vikas Adhikari (VPDO) examination.
A Solitary Appearance
Speaking to reporters before entering the ED office, Rawat emphasized that he had arrived alone. He mentioned that he had sought the blessings of his late mother, Maa Jagdamba, and Mother Earth before heading to the investigation. He clarified that his appearance was a direct response to the agency's summons and not a self-initiated move accompanied by supporters.
“I have not called anyone, nor have I asked anyone to come. The ED summoned me, so I came here quietly,” Rawat stated.
The former Chief Minister noted that the ED had issued the notice just two days prior to his appearance. The agency has requested a variety of documents and details from him regarding the 2016 matter.
Scope of the Investigation
According to information from his office, the ED's notice specifically seeks comprehensive details concerning:
- Residential information
- Business interests
- Property holdings
- Bank account records
This development follows intensive investigative actions by the ED in Dehradun. The agency recently conducted searches at various locations linked to the 2016 UKSSSC VPDO recruitment probe. Notably, searches conducted at the residence of Rawat’s personal assistant, Chandan Singh Jeena, reportedly led to the recovery of Rs 32 lakh in unaccounted cash, along with gold and luxury watches.
Political Fallout and Resignations
The intensifying investigation has already had political repercussions. On September 11, prior to this appearance, Rawat made the significant decision to step down from two key positions within the Congress party. He stated that he did not want his personal legal situation to act as a distraction or a weakness in the party's ongoing political struggles.
The positions he vacated include:
- Member of the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee executive
- Permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee at the national level
Rawat expressed that his decision was made after consulting his Isht Devta, aiming to ensure that the party's fight remains unhindered by his involvement in the ongoing probe into the 2016 recruitment examination irregularities.