ED Clarifies Jurisdiction in Jharkhand Probe

ED to Jharkhand: State Has No Role in Money Laundering Investigations

The Enforcement Directorate asserts its exclusive authority in money laundering investigations, responding to Jharkhand government inquiries.

RANCHI – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a clear message to the Jharkhand government, stating that the state has no "locus standi" in ongoing money laundering investigations.

This development follows a query from Jharkhand’s principal secretary, Vandana Dadel, to the ED regarding the summons of an IAS officer and others in a money laundering case.

Dadel’s request for information about the case, which involved Sahibganj deputy commissioner Ram Nivas Yadav among others, came after the Jharkhand cabinet mandated bureaucrats to report such notices to the state.

The ED, in response, emphasized that its investigations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) are not subject to state government intervention or inquiry.

The agency’s investigating officer (IO) clarified that sharing details of ongoing investigations with the state is not permissible under PMLA provisions.

The IO also highlighted that any state government orders or instructions do not apply to or bind the ED’s probe officer, who operates under federal authority.

Governor CP Radhakrishnan, addressing the backdrop of protests against the ED’s summons to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, reiterated the agency’s duty to conduct its investigation.

Speaking at the ICFAI University convocation, Radhakrishnan stressed that the Chief Minister, like any leader, is not above the law and should respond appropriately to the ED.

The governor dismissed concerns about potential law and order disturbances due to the ED’s actions, questioning the basis for public anger over the agency’s summonses.

This situation underscores the ongoing tension between the Jharkhand state government and the central investigative agency, highlighting the complexities of jurisdiction and authority in such investigations.