Congress leader Harish Rawat Quits Party Posts After ED Seizes Cash, Jewellery From Aide

DEHRADUN, Sep 12: Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and Congress leader Harish Rawat on Saturday announced his decision to step down from all party posts after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recovered cash, jewellery and luxury watches from the residence of his personal assistant.

The ED seized Rs 32 lakh in cash and a dozen luxury wristwatches during raids conducted on Thursday at the premises of Chandan Singh Jeena, officials said.

Jeena is currently serving as Rawat’s personal assistant and had earlier worked as officer on special duty (OSD) during Rawat’s tenure as Uttarakhand Chief Minister from 2014 to 2017.

Rawat announced his decision to quit all party positions following the recovery from his aide’s residence. The ED action and the seizures have since drawn attention to the Congress leader’s political association with Jeena.

The agency’s searches were part of its ongoing investigation, while further details regarding the source and ownership of the seized cash and valuables were not immediately available.

The development comes amid heightened scrutiny following the ED raids and the recovery of the cash and luxury items from the premises linked to Rawat’s aide. (Agencies)