SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA
Ranchi, Jan 16: In a major interim relief to officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Jharkhand High Court on Friday stayed further police proceedings arising out of an FIR lodged against ED officers and directed the Centre to deploy paramilitary forces at the ED’s Ranchi Zonal Office.
The order was passed by Justice Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi, who also directed that security at the ED office be strengthened and CCTV footage preserved.
Senior lawyers represent all sides
Appearing for the ED officers, advocate Amit Kumar Das led the arguments. The State of Jharkhand was represented by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared through video conferencing, assisted by Government Advocate Manoj Kumar (GA-III).
For the Union of India, Prashant Pallav appeared and waived notice on behalf of the Union Home Secretary.
The informant, Santosh Kumar, was represented by Sumeet Gadodia.
Court orders BSF/CISF deployment
Taking note of the sensitivity of ongoing ED investigations involving senior political leaders and bureaucrats, the High Court directed the Union Home Secretary to deploy BSF, CISF or any other suitable paramilitary force at the ED’s Ranchi office. The SSP, Ranchi, was instructed to ensure security, with the court making it clear that responsibility would be fixed in case of any untoward incident.
The court also ordered that CCTV footage installed at the ED premises be preserved.
ED alleges bid to derail probe
The ED submitted that the FIR was a false and pre-planned attempt to obstruct and derail a money-laundering investigation, including a case linked to the alleged misappropriation of around ₹23 crore in the drinking water sector.
According to the ED, the informant Santosh Kumar—an employee of the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department—had voluntarily appeared at the ED office without any summons and later lodged allegations of assault and harassment. The agency maintained that its officers were acting in good faith and cited statutory protection under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Background and next hearing
Following Santosh Kumar’s complaint, Ranchi Police had reached the ED’s Hinoo office, cordoned off the premises and conducted a preliminary inquiry, prompting the ED to approach the High Court challenging the police action and seeking a CBI probe.
The court has granted time to the informant, the State government and the Union of India to file their responses. The matter will be heard next on February 9, and the interim protection granted to ED officials will continue till then.
