Jharkhand High Court Reserves Order in ED Officers' Petition Against Police Investigation
The Jharkhand High Court has reserved its order in a significant petition filed by officers of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The petition challenges an investigation into a case registered against them at the Airport Police Station in Ranchi, the state capital.
Background of the Case and Allegations
The controversy stems from an FIR filed by Santosh Kumar, an employee in the drinking water and sanitation department. Kumar alleges that he was assaulted by ED officers at the ED office on January 12. In response, the police conducted a raid at the ED office on January 15 at 6 am.
ED assistant director Pratik and assistant enforcement officer Shubham Bharti moved the Jharkhand High Court to challenge this FIR. They are seeking an independent probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the matter.
ED's Defense and Scam Allegations
The ED officers have argued that Santosh Kumar is under investigation for a Rs 23 crore scam being probed by the agency. According to their petition, the ED has already recovered Rs 9 crore from Kumar. They claim that out of ill will and grudge, Kumar lodged a false case against them to obstruct the ongoing investigation.
Court's Interim Orders and Observations
During the hearing on January 16, the court of Justice Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi imposed a stay on the investigation of the FIR against the ED officials. The court observed that it cannot be a "mute spectator" to developments involving a police raid on the ED office.
In a notable move, the High Court ordered the Union Home Secretary to depute the CISF, BSF, or any other paramilitary force to provide security to the ED office and its officers. Additionally, the court directed the Ranchi Senior Superintendent of Police to ensure the security of the ED officers.
Final Hearing and Reserved Order
After hearing the matter at length, the Jharkhand High Court has reserved its order. The decision is awaited on whether the FIR will stand or if a CBI probe will be ordered, marking a critical juncture in this legal battle between the ED and local police authorities.
