Police Investigation at Ranchi ED Office Over Assault Claims Sparks BJP–JMM Face-Off

Ranchi: The launch of a police investigation into alleged assault claims at the Enforcement Directorate’s Ranchi office has sparked a fierce political row in Jharkhand, with the BJP accusing the state government of pressuring central agencies.

Senior police officers, along with a large contingent of personnel, reached the ED’s Airport Road office to investigate an FIR filed by Santosh Kumar, an accused in a money-laundering case. The BJP termed the police action unprecedented and alleged that it threatened the autonomy of the ED.

BJP leaders, including Babulal Marandi and MP Nishikant Dubey, claimed the move could be an attempt to intimidate ED officials and interfere with sensitive investigations. They warned that Jharkhand was being pushed towards a situation similar to West Bengal, where central agencies have repeatedly clashed with state authorities.

Santosh Kumar, a clerk accused in a Rs 23 crore departmental scam, alleged in his complaint that he was assaulted during questioning at the ED office, leading to serious head injuries. Police have begun examining CCTV footage and other evidence, stating that the probe will be conducted impartially. The ED, however, has rejected the allegations, asserting that Kumar was never summoned and that his injuries were self-inflicted.

With inputs from IANS