Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court has reserved its verdict on the bail plea of former Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi and 2011 batch IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan in the high-profile land scam case. The decision came after the court heard detailed arguments from both the prosecution and defense on Wednesday before Justice Gautam Kumar Choudhary.
Background of the Case: Arrest and Charges
IAS Ranjan has been in judicial custody since his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in May 2023. The ED is investigating allegations of money laundering linked to the illegal settlement and transfer of valuable government and raiyati lands in Ranchi. The investigation revealed that several important land parcels were transferred using forged and fabricated documents during Ranjan’s tenure as Deputy Commissioner.
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Investigation Nears Completion; Multiple Arrests Made
Alongside Ranjan, several other individuals have been arrested in connection with the scam, and the ED investigation is reportedly in its final stages. The probe has uncovered a network of illicit land transfers, triggering widespread public and media attention.
Arguments Presented During Bail Hearing
During the bail hearing, Chhabi Ranjan’s counsel argued that the IAS officer is innocent and has been falsely implicated due to political motives. The lawyer stressed that Ranjan has spent a considerable time in custody and, with the investigation nearing completion, he should be granted bail.
In contrast, the Enforcement Directorate’s legal representative opposed the bail application, citing strong evidence against Ranjan. The ED lawyer warned that granting bail could jeopardize the ongoing investigation as Ranjan might attempt to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence. They urged the court to reject the plea in light of the case’s gravity.
Awaiting Court’s Verdict
The Jharkhand High Court is expected to announce its decision on the bail plea in the coming days. The case continues to draw significant attention across the state, reflecting ongoing concerns about corruption and misuse of official power.
