TN police registers case against ED officials

In a significant development, the Tamil Nadu police have initiated legal action against officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) following a complaint filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). The complaint alleges that ED officers obstructed the DVAC from carrying out their duties during a search operation subsequent to the arrest of Ankit Tiwari, an ED official caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs.20 lakh on December 1. The case unfolds with the arrest of Ankit Tiwari, an ED official, on charges of corruption. The DVAC, responsible for ensuring integrity and combating corruption, initiated a search at the ED office. However, the situation took a contentious turn as ED officials reportedly hindered the DVAC’s efforts, prompting the filing of a case by the Tamil Nadu police. The DVAC’s complaint not only accuses the ED officials of obstructing their lawful duties but also raises serious concerns about the legality of the search conducted by the DVAC. The complaint contends that the DVAC’s search was “illegal,” accusing them of pilfering sensitive records of ED cases and allowing unauthorized individuals access to the ED office premises under the guise of investigating Ankit Tiwari. Following the case registration, the Madurai city police summoned the implicated ED officials. However, the broader response from the state police is pending. Despite the ED sending a reminder urging the registration of an FIR based on their complaint, the state police headquarters is yet to take comprehensive action. A senior police officer confirmed the receipt of the complaint from the ED, stating that it has been forwarded to the Madurai police for further proceedings.