THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, January 16: In a major development in the ongoing standoff between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Jharkhand Police, the Jharkhand High Court on Friday stayed police action linked to an FIR filed against ED officials by Santosh Kumar, an accused in the multi-crore drinking water scam. The court also directed the Jharkhand government to provide full security to ED officials and their office, paving the way for the deployment of the Border Security Force (BSF).
The court has directed the State government to file a reply on the issue within a week. A single bench comprising Justice Sanjay Dwivedi also directed the central government to depute paramilitary forces at the ED’s office in Ranchi.
The interim order provides significant relief to ED officials who were named in the FIR related to alleged misconduct during questioning in a money laundering investigation.
ED challenges police raid, seeks CBI probe
The ED had moved the High Court by filing a writ petition challenging the Ranchi Police raid conducted at its office on Thursday. In its plea, the central agency sought quashing of the FIR lodged by Santosh Kumar and demanded that the case be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Accepting the ED’s request for an urgent hearing, the court listed the matter for January 16 and heard detailed arguments on Friday.
Court critical of police action
During the hearing, the ED informed the court that its investigation into the drinking water scam had revealed evidence pointing to the involvement of senior officials. The agency argued that the FIR filed by Santosh Kumar was aimed at influencing and obstructing the ongoing probe.
After considering the submissions, the High Court criticised the manner of police action, stayed the FIR, and ordered the state government to ensure round-the-clock security for ED officials and their premises.
The court fixed February 9 for the next hearing in the case.
Background: Allegations by Santosh Kumar
Santosh Kumar, an employee of the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department (DWSD), lodged an FIR at the Ranchi Airport Police Station on January 13, a day after he was questioned by the ED. He alleged physical assault, head injuries, threats to life, and harassment during questioning at the ED office in Ranchi.
Acting on the complaint, Ranchi Police personnel reached the ED’s Hinoo office on Thursday morning, cordoned off the premises, conducted a preliminary inquiry, inspected the spot, and questioned officials present at the time.
