High Court Intervenes: Ranchi ED Office Raid Under Scrutiny

The Jharkhand High Court has halted a police investigation into a raid at the Ranchi ED office, mandating central security for the agency's premises. This development follows allegations of police interference with the ED's investigation into a Rs 23 crore scam involving a former government employee.

The Jharkhand High Court took decisive action on Friday by pausing a police investigation into a raid conducted at the Ranchi Enforcement Directorate (ED) office. The court underscored its position, stating it cannot be a 'mute spectator' to the unfolding events.

Justice Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi, addressing a writ petition from the ED, directed the inclusion of the Union home secretary to ensure unbiased scrutiny. The court mandated the deployment of CRPF or BSF to safeguard the central agency's operations amid allegations of interference stemming from a registered FIR.

This judicial intervention comes against the backdrop of a contested police raid purportedly linked to a Rs 23 crore scam probe, intensifying political frictions between the BJP and the ruling JMM. The case is set for a subsequent hearing on February 9.

(With inputs from agencies.)