Rawat appears before ED in recruitment scam probe

Harish Rawat, the veteran Congress leader, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate for questioning in New Delhi as part of its investigation into alleged irregularities in a 2016 recruitment examination in Uttarakhand. The summons marked an escalation in the agency's probe into the matter, which has drawn significant political attention in the state.

The ED's action followed the recovery of substantial amounts of cash and jewellery from the residence of Rawat's personal assistant earlier this month. These seizures prompted the agency to intensify its investigation into the recruitment case, with authorities keen to establish the source and nature of the recovered assets.

In response to mounting pressure from the inquiry, Rawat announced on September 12 his decision to step down from all organizational posts within the Congress party. The move was seen as a precautionary measure aimed at distancing the party from the controversy while the investigation proceeds. Rawat, who served as Chief Minister from 2014 to 2017, has maintained that he will cooperate fully with the investigation.

The case has added to the series of legal challenges faced by senior political figures in the state and underscores the Enforcement Directorate's expanded focus on investigating alleged financial improprieties in public sector recruitment processes across India.