Jharkhand High Court Stops Ranchi Police Action Against ED Officers

The Jharkhand High Court has stayed a probe initiated by the Ranchi Police against officers of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a day after the Supreme Court passed a similar order in a related case involving the Kolkata Police and raids linked to the I-PAC office.

In its order, the high court also directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ranchi, to assess and ensure the security of the ED’s Ranchi zonal office. The court issued a clear warning, stating that the SSP would be held personally responsible in the event of any untoward incident at the premises.

Making strong observations, the court said it could not remain a “mute spectator” in situations where central agency offices and officers were allegedly being placed under threat. The remarks came amid escalating tensions between the state police and the federal investigative agency.

Also Read: Police Launch Investigation Into Unidentified ED Personnel in I-PAC Raid

The dispute intensified after ED officials reported that their Ranchi zonal office was surrounded by police personnel on Thursday morning, an incident that raised concerns within the agency about operational interference and safety of its staff.

According to officials, the move followed an email sent by the Jharkhand Police to the ED the previous night, alleging coercion and assault by two ED officers. The complaint reportedly named an assistant director and an assistant enforcement director of the agency.

The developments mirror a broader confrontation between state police forces and central investigative agencies, with the Supreme Court and now the Jharkhand High Court stepping in to pause police action and address concerns over jurisdiction, procedure, and institutional security.

Also Read: ED Complains to Supreme Court Over Alleged Interference by Mamata Banerjee