New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to suspended Jharkhand cadre IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan, who has been in judicial custody for over two years in connection with a high-profile army land scam and money laundering cases. The court imposed certain conditions on her bail, including restrictions on traveling abroad without prior permission and mandatory cooperation with investigative agencies.
Supreme Court’s Bail Order and Conditions
The two-judge bench, comprising Justice Joymala Bagchi and Justice Suryakant, approved the bail plea while emphasizing the importance of cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The court directed Ranjan not to leave the country without prior approval and to comply fully with the requirements of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and other agencies probing the case.
Chhavi Ranjan had been arrested by the ED on May 4, 2023, under charges related to money laundering. She had been held in judicial custody since then. Prior to the Supreme Court’s intervention, her bail applications were dismissed by both the PMLA court and the Jharkhand High Court.
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Details of the Army Land Scam and Money Laundering Cases
The money laundering cases against Ranjan involve two separate investigations. One case relates to the alleged fraudulent transaction of approximately one acre of land on Cheshire Home Road in Ranchi. The land was reportedly bought and sold based on forged documents. Ranjan had earlier secured bail from the Jharkhand High Court in this particular matter.
The other case concerns irregularities involving nearly 4.5 acres of army-owned land in Bariatu, Ranchi. The Enforcement Directorate has named several other accused individuals in this case, including prominent businessman Vishnu Agarwal, revenue inspector Bhanu Pratap Prasad, fake tenant Pradeep Bagchi, and land dealer Afsar Ali, among others.
Profile and Career of IAS Officer Chhavi Ranjan
Chhavi Ranjan, born in 1981 in Kadma, Jharkhand, is a 2011 batch IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre. She began her career as a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Chakrpur. Ranjan completed her schooling from St. Mary Hindi School, Bistupur, and Chinmaya School, Telco, before earning her BSc and MSc degrees from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi.
She secured the 125th rank in the UPSC exam in 2011 and subsequently joined the Indian Administrative Service. Her administrative tenure has been marked by various postings across Jharkhand.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Enforcement Directorate continues its investigation into the army land scam and associated money laundering allegations. The judicial process is underway in the PMLA courts, with other accused persons facing trial alongside Ranjan.
The Supreme Court’s bail decision marks a significant development in the case, offering temporary relief to Ranjan while the probe continues.
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