Police Teams Search ED Office in Early Morning Operation
Jharkhand Police carried out searches at the Enforcement Directorate's regional office in Ranchi on Thursday morning. The action followed serious allegations of custodial assault made against two ED officials by an accused in a corruption case.
Early Morning Search Operation
Police teams reached the ED office around 6 am to conduct their investigation. The search came in response to a formal complaint filed at the Airport police station on Tuesday.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Santosh Kumar, a former cashier in Jharkhand's Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, filed the complaint. Kumar is currently facing trial in a corruption case registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
In his complaint, Kumar alleged that two ED officials assaulted him inside the agency's office on January 12. One of these officials reportedly holds the position of Assistant Director.
Serious Allegations in the FIR
The FIR contains detailed allegations from Kumar's complaint. He claimed that ED officials summoned him to their office and coerced him into signing documents. Kumar further alleged that attempts were made to destroy evidence of the assault.
According to the complaint, officials pressured Kumar to confess to certain allegations. He stated that he was illegally detained at the ED office for several hours. This detention allegedly prevented him from contacting police, family members, or media representatives.
Kumar reported sustaining a head injury during the incident. The injury required six stitches according to medical reports.
Police Response and Investigation
Police have registered the case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The charges include assault, criminal intimidation, and wrongful confinement. Investigation into the matter is currently underway.
When contacted, the Airport police station in-charge confirmed that a team visited the ED office for inspection. He stated that details were uploaded to the police e-search system recently provided to district administration.
The police official confirmed that no arrests have been made so far in connection with the case. Attempts to contact ED officials for their response did not yield any immediate replies.
Political Controversy Erupts
The police action has sparked significant political controversy. Opposition BJP leaders have raised concerns about potential evidence tampering.
Former chief minister Babulal Marandi made strong statements regarding the situation. He claimed that the ED office contains crucial evidence related to corruption cases involving Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Marandi suggested that this evidence involves substantial amounts of money, potentially thousands of crores of rupees. He expressed fear that attempts might be made to tamper with or destroy this evidence under the guise of police action.
Background of the Accused
Santosh Kumar faces allegations of siphoning off Rs 2.71 crore under the urban water supply scheme. The accusations involve the use of fake bank accounts according to police records.
An FIR registered against Kumar in December 2023 alleged non-cooperation with the inquiry and misuse of official records. Authorities arrested Kumar in April 2024 in connection with this case.
The court granted Kumar bail on April 15, 2025. The current assault allegations represent a new development in this ongoing legal matter.
Ongoing Developments
The situation remains fluid as investigations continue on multiple fronts. Police are examining the assault allegations while political leaders monitor developments closely.
The case highlights tensions between central investigative agencies and state police forces. It also raises questions about custodial procedures and accountability mechanisms within enforcement agencies.
All parties await further developments as the legal process unfolds in this complex and politically sensitive case.
