In a significant development, the Supreme Court has ruled that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will conduct the probe into the high-profile Enforcement Directorate (ED) versus Ranchi Police case in Jharkhand.
The apex court on Friday dismissed a petition filed by the state government challenging the order for a CBI investigation in the case.
The case stems from allegations made by Santosh Kumar, an accused in a drinking water scam, who had filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the airport police station accusing ED officials of assault.
Following the complaint, Ranchi Police had initiated an inquiry and even surrounded the ED office as part of their investigation, escalating tensions between the state police and the central agency.
Subsequently, the ED approached the Jharkhand High Court, seeking a CBI probe into the FIR lodged by the accused. After hearing the matter, the High Court directed the CBI to take over the investigation.
Challenging this directive, the Jharkhand government moved the Supreme Court, requesting a stay on the CBI inquiry. The matter was heard by a bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice N Kotiswar Singh.
After considering the arguments, the apex court dismissed the state government’s plea, effectively allowing the CBI investigation to proceed.
Notably, the hearing was initially scheduled for April 13 but was later deferred at the request of the state government.
With the Supreme Court’s decision, the CBI will now officially investigate the FIR filed by Santosh Kumar, bringing a new dimension to the ongoing dispute between the ED and the Ranchi Police.
Also read: Malaria outbreak hits anti-Maoist operations in Jharkhand
Follow us
