THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, January 15: The ongoing confrontation between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Jharkhand Police has escalated into a legal battle, with the ED moving the Jharkhand High Court against the recent police raid at its Ranchi office and seeking a CBI inquiry into the entire incident.
The High Court is scheduled to hear the ED’s writ petition on Friday, making the case a significant test of jurisdiction between a central investigative agency and the state police.
Case Origin: Assault Allegations by DWSD Employee
The dispute stems from an FIR lodged by Santosh Kumar, a clerk in the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department (DWSD), who alleged that he was assaulted during questioning at the ED office in Ranchi.
Based on his complaint, Airport Police Station registered Case No. 05/2026, accusing two ED officials—Assistant Director (II) Prateek and Assistant Shubham—of assault, misconduct, and torture.
Police Raid at ED Office
Following the FIR, a large team of Ranchi police reached the ED office at Hinoo (Airport Road) on January 15 and conducted an on-site investigation for several hours. Police questioned officers present at the time of the alleged incident, further intensifying tensions between the two agencies.
Details of Allegations
According to Santosh Kumar’s complaint, he was summoned to the ED office on January 12, 2026, at around 10 am. He claimed that during questioning, officers pressured him to confess to charges related to the drinking water scam.
When he refused, he alleged that he was verbally abused and brutally assaulted, resulting in a fractured skull and bleeding injuries. He further claimed that he was threatened with dire consequences, including harm to his family.
Santosh Kumar said he received six stitches at Sadar Hospital and was allegedly warned not to disclose the real cause of his injuries. He also alleged that his blood-stained T-shirt was removed, he was forced to sign an incident report without reading it, and was threatened against approaching the media, police, or lawyers.
ED vs Police: A Long-Running Conflict
This is not the first confrontation between the ED and Jharkhand Police. Similar disputes have arisen earlier during investigations into illegal mining, land scams, and the Sahibganj toll tender case.
During the illegal mining probe, the ED had summoned police officers and raided the residence of the Sahibganj Deputy Commissioner, prompting the state government to issue an SOP requiring permission before summoning state officials. The ED rejected the SOP, stating that its powers flow from Parliamentary law and cannot be curtailed by the state.
A second major dispute emerged during a land scam investigation, where allegations surfaced that circle officers attempted to bribe ED officials through a lawyer. That matter is also pending before the High Court, where the ED has sought a CBI investigation.
Fresh Flashpoint in Drinking Water Scam Probe
The current FIR against ED officials—filed by an accused in the drinking water scam—is now expected to trigger another round of legal confrontation between the two agencies.
With the ED demanding a CBI probe and the police pursuing their investigation, the High Court’s upcoming hearing is being closely watched in legal and administrative circles.
