Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: A new twist has emerged in the Jharkhand drinking water scam after accused clerk Santosh Kumar retracted his earlier statement implicating engineers and senior officials, and instead filed an FIR alleging assault by Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials.
Statement Retraction During ED Interrogation
Santosh Kumar, who is accused in the drinking water scam, had earlier admitted during interrogation that engineers and senior officials of the department were involved in fraudulent withdrawals. However, during fresh questioning at the ED office on January 12, he reportedly denied having any knowledge of the scam and backed out of his earlier statements.
ED Probe and Money Laundering Case
The ED initiated a money laundering investigation based on an FIR registered by the police related to fake withdrawals in the drinking water department. During the probe, it was found that Santosh Kumar had allegedly floated fake companies and siphoned off nearly ₹23 crore. The ED subsequently filed a prosecution complaint against him.
Incident During Questioning and Medical Examination
According to ED sources, when confronted with documentary evidence, Santosh Kumar became distressed and attempted to hit his head with a water jug kept on the table. Despite efforts to stop him, he sustained a minor injury and was taken to Sadar Hospital. Doctors declared the injury minor and certified him fit. Following the medical examination, he returned to the ED office and completed his statement before being released.
FIR Against ED Officials and Legal Tussle
After his release, Santosh Kumar lodged an FIR accusing ED officials of assault. This development is expected to intensify the ongoing legal confrontation between the ED and the local police. Earlier as well, cases were registered against ED officers alleging bribery and assault in connection with a land case.
ED Seeks CBI Probe
Amid mounting legal challenges, the ED has moved the Jharkhand High Court seeking transfer of all cases registered against its officials to the CBI. The court is yet to deliver its verdict on the matter.
