Rawat resigns from Congress posts amid ED probe

The Cliff News | 12 September 2026

Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat has announced his resignation from two significant positions within the Congress party, citing a desire to prevent any controversy involving a close associate from hindering the party's anti-corruption efforts. The move comes in the wake of an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid on the premises of his personal assistant, Chandan Singh Jeena, as part of a money laundering investigation.

The ED's investigation is reportedly linked to alleged irregularities in a 2016 recruitment examination conducted by the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC). Rawat stated that he decided to step down as a member of the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee executive and as a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee to maintain the party's focus and integrity.

ED Raid and Recoveries

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches across multiple locations in Dehradun on Thursday, targeting premises associated with former UKSSSC officials, the owner of a private computer agency involved in processing OMR sheets, and alleged middlemen. During these searches, the agency reported significant recoveries from Mr. Jeena's residence.

Authorities seized Rs 32 lakh in cash, gold coins and chains weighing approximately 200.5 grams, and 12 luxury watches from Jeena's home. The recovered timepieces included prominent brands such as Rolex, Rado, Piaget, Movado, Tissot, and Casio Edifice. Furthermore, the ED has frozen bank accounts belonging to Jeena and his family members, which collectively held Rs 52.16 lakh. Jeena's mobile phone was also seized for forensic examination.

UKSSSC Recruitment Irregularities Probe

The money laundering case initiated by the ED stems from four First Information Reports (FIRs) previously registered by the Uttarakhand Police and the Vigilance Bureau. These FIRs concern alleged irregularities in the Gram Panchayat Vikas Adhikari examination conducted by the UKSSSC in 2016.

According to the ED's findings, OMR answer sheets were allegedly removed from secure custody and taken to the residence of the commission's then secretary. Subsequently, roll numbers of under-filled answer sheets were reportedly recorded and passed on to personnel of a private computer agency. This agency is accused of fraudulently filling and altering answer bubbles before the sheets were resealed, allegedly in exchange for illegal payments routed through middlemen.

Jeena's Role and Rawat's Reaction

Chandan Singh Jeena is currently serving as Harish Rawat's personal assistant. Previously, he held the position of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for Rawat when the latter served as Chief Minister between 2014 and 2017. This long-standing association appears to be the primary reason for Rawat's decision to step aside.

In a detailed statement posted on X, Mr. Rawat acknowledged his association with Jeena but expressed his difficulty in believing the allegations against him. "News is being shown on television that a large amount of cash and jewellery has been found or made to be found at the residence of my PA in Dehradun. The truth behind this will emerge in the coming days," he stated.

"It is true that Mr Jeena served as my OSD and has held important responsibilities whenever I was in government or in the party. Describing Jeena as 'a very decent, humble and hardworking person,' Rawat added that if there was evidence that he had tampered with OMR sheets in the recruitment process, he would be ashamed of such conduct."

Rawat further elaborated, stating his belief in Jeena's character but acknowledging the gravity of potential wrongdoing. "If he tampered with OMR sheets in the Gram Sevak recruitment examination and there is evidence of such wrongdoing, then I am ashamed of this alleged act. However, I do not believe this allegation at all," he emphasized.

Wider Impact and Investigations

The ED's allegations suggest that Jeena incurred substantial cash expenses for which no legitimate source of income could be established. The recovery of unaccounted cash, jewellery, and other valuables from some former UKSSSC officials and associated individuals highlights the extent of the alleged corruption network.

The agency has also indicated that the investigation is ongoing, with a focus on unravelling the complete financial trail and identifying all individuals involved in the alleged money laundering scheme connected to the UKSSSC recruitment irregularities.