Jharkhand High Court Intervenes in Ranchi ED Raid Case
The Jharkhand High Court took decisive action on Friday. It stayed police operations against Enforcement Directorate officials in Ranchi. Justice Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi made it clear the court cannot remain a mute spectator in such serious matters.
Court Orders Security for ED Office and Officials
The court issued specific directives during the hearing. It ordered the Union home secretary Govind Mohan to provide security. The CISF, BSF, or another paramilitary force must protect the ED office and its officers.
Ranchi Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ranjan received clear instructions. He must ensure the safety of ED officials. The court warned that any security lapse would make Ranjan directly liable.
Background of the Controversial Police Raid
Ranchi police conducted a raid on January 15. They targeted the ED's regional office at Hinoo. This action followed an FIR filed against two ED personnel.
The FIR came from Santosh Kumar, an employee of the state drinking water and sanitation department. Kumar alleged that ED officials attacked him during interrogation on January 12. He claimed they threatened him to keep silent about the incident.
The ED presented a different version. They stated Kumar inflicted injuries upon himself. The agency argued he did this to implicate their officials.
Legal Proceedings and Court Observations
The ED moved the High Court after the police raid. They demanded a CBI probe into the incident. The agency alleged state police interference in their functioning.
Justice Dwivedi's court heard the writ petition filed by ED officials. The court directed the ED to include Union home secretary Govind Mohan as a party. It also ordered that Santosh Kumar be made a party in the case.
During arguments, ED advocates revealed significant details. They said Kumar is involved in a Rs 23 crore scam in his department. The ED has already recovered Rs 9 crore from him.
Conflicting Accounts and Ongoing Investigation
The court heard conflicting accounts about Kumar's visit to the ED office. ED representatives claimed Kumar came voluntarily on January 12. They stated he was never summoned.
Santosh Kumar refuted this claim. He maintained his version of events through his complaint.
The ED is currently investigating multiple cases. These involve top government officials according to their counsels.
Political Context and Previous Developments
This case follows another significant development. The Supreme Court recently sent notices to Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and her officials. They face allegations of preventing ED probes in a coal-scam case.
The Ranchi incident has triggered political reactions across parties. The ED's demand for a CBI probe adds another layer to the controversy.
The Jharkhand High Court has scheduled the next hearing for February 9. All parties must present their arguments on that date.
