RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Nov.30: Barhet MLA representative Pankaj Mishra, whom the ED has accused in a case of laundering money earned by illegal mining, was today noticed at mental asylum, Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP), Kanke.
The reason behind taking him there is not clear so far whether he was taken there for investigation purposes or mental health problems. A CIP insider, however, said that Mishra was noticed around 11.30am at the OPD. ‘It has so far not been clear whether he has been admitted or taken back to RIMS,” the CIP insider said.
A RIMS insider said that Mishra will be brought back. “The Medical board had advised Mishra to undergo treatment at the drug de-addiction center. The treating doctors have told before the medical board that he gets uneasiness when given mild pain reliever fortwin (banned drug). Apparently he was taken there for some medical advice on the issue,” the RIMS insider said.
The ED arrested Mishra on July 19. He was shifted to Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) on July 29 following complaints of abdominal pain. The ED observed that despite being in judicial custody as an accused Mishra is enjoying all facilities and has access to phone. The ED also observed that Mishra received and made more than 300 calls and managed everything from the hospital.
Mishra hogged the limelight after his name surfaced in Sahibganj Thana officer-in-charge sub-inspector Rupa Tirkey’r death case. He continues to remain in the limelight after his name also surfaced in illegal mining. As chief minister Hemant Soren is MLA from Barhet, each development associated with Mishra attracts the attention of people.
The ED during the investigation also recovered a cheque book signed by chief minister Soren from his premises.
