Jharkhand News: State govt officials to comply central probe agencies’ summons after Cabinet deptt’s nod

SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA 

Ranchi, Jan. 9: The State cabinet today approved guidelines for compliance with the summons/notices received from the central investigating agencies. 

Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel told The Jharkhand Story that the officials summoned by any investigating agency outside the state will first inform the cabinet department, which happens to be the nodal department. “After that, the cabinet department will take legal opinion, issue necessary guidelines, and give advice to comply with the summons. It will be decided on a case-to-case basis,” she said.

“It doesn’t mean that the officials summoned will not comply with the summons,” she maintained.

Considering the political situation in the state, this proposal is being considered very significant. 

Notably, the ED has issued summons to several officers, including Sahibganj DC Ram Niwas Yadav, SP Naushad Alam and Excise Department official Gajendra Singh. 

Earlier, during interrogation, the ED had arrested two IAS officers, Pooja Singhal and Chhavi Ranjan-and some officials in the state. 

Withdrawal of case

In another resolution, the Cabinet approved the withdrawal of Nawadih police station case number 19/2016, dated 13.05.2016 Section-147/148/ 139/188/323/353 IPC registered against the then MLA of Dumri Legislative Assembly Late Jagarnath Mahato and others. 

Land for Azim Premji University

The Cabinet transferred 146 acres of land in Itki under the Ranchi district to set up Azimji Premji University. 

It was done at the payment of Rs 22.16 crore in the light of an MoU signed between Azim Premji Foundation and the State government for establishing Azim Premji University, including a Medical College, its associated Hospital and other health-related institutions. The lease of land has been granted for 99 years.