Ranchi: A major political controversy has erupted in Jharkhand after the police initiated an investigation into allegations that Santosh Kumar, an accused in a money-laundering case, was assaulted inside the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Ranchi.
A team of senior police officials, accompanied by a sizeable police force, visited the ED’s regional office on Airport Road following an FIR lodged by Santosh Kumar. The police presence at the central agency’s premises has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which has accused the Hemant Soren-led government of interfering with the functioning of an independent investigative agency.
Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi expressed concern on social media, alleging that the police action could be aimed at tampering with crucial evidence linked to corruption cases involving the Chief Minister. He claimed similar attempts had been made earlier to target the ED and demanded intervention from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Union Home Ministry to ensure the security of the ED office.
The controversy originates from a complaint by Santosh Kumar, a clerk accused in a Rs 23 crore scam in the Jharkhand Drinking Water and Sanitation Department. Kumar alleged that he was verbally abused and assaulted by ED officials during questioning, resulting in a head injury that required stitches. The ED has denied all allegations, stating that Kumar injured himself and that it will approach the High Court.
With inputs from IANS