High Court Reserves Order on Former Ranchi DC’s Plea in Army Land Sale Case

The High Court of Jharkhand has reserved its order in a writ petition filed by former Ranchi deputy commissioner Chhavi Ranjan, seeking access to documents from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) related to an army land sale case.

During the hearing on Friday, the Court considered Ranjan’s application, in which he emphasized the need for certain documents held by the ED to mount his defense.

Ranjan had initially filed the petition before the special court of the ED and a lower court, both of which rejected his plea.

As a 2011-batch IAS officer, Ranjan faces accusations of money laundering and collusion with certain builders and members of the land mafia.

The Enforcement Directorate has already lodged a complaint in this matter, naming Ranjan and 10 others as accused.

Last year in April, the probe agency conducted raids in Ranchi, leading to Ranjan’s arrest on May 4, 2023.

The allegations against Ranjan primarily involve his purported involvement in the sale of 4.55 acres of army land in the Bariatu area.

In October 2023, the High Court had dismissed his bail petition in connection with the case.

The reservation of the order by the High Court indicates the gravity and complexity of the matter, as it continues to deliberate on the plea filed by the former Ranchi deputy commissioner.