Harish Rawat Grilled by ED in 2016 Recruitment Scam After Cash Recovery

Senior Congress leader and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Dehradun on Monday for questioning in connection with a 2016 recruitment case. The ED had summoned Rawat after recovering cash and jewellery from the house of his personal assistant, prompting him to announce on September 12 that he would step down from all party posts.

The case pertains to alleged irregularities in the recruitment of forest guards in 2016, when Rawat was chief minister. The ED's investigation is based on an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2019. Rawat has denied any wrongdoing, calling the charges politically motivated. The recovery of cash and jewellery from his aide's residence has intensified scrutiny, though the exact amount has not been officially disclosed.

Rawat's decision to relinquish party posts is seen as an attempt to shield the Congress from fallout ahead of upcoming elections. The ED's questioning could lead to further legal action, including possible arrest. The development is likely to fuel political tensions in Uttarakhand, where the Congress is seeking to regain power. The party has accused the BJP-led central government of misusing agencies to target opposition leaders.