During the proceedings, ED’s counsel, Dhiraj Trivedi, informed the court of the identification and the commencement of the seizure process of some properties.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Today, at the Calcutta High Court, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) disclosed the discovery of additional properties linked to the ongoing initial recruitment case, sparking a critical examination by Justice Amrita Sinha. The revelation led to a pointed discussion on the pace of the investigation, with Justice Sinha questioning the ED’s “slowness” in progressing with the case. This scrutiny comes amid heightened expectations for a thorough and timely resolution to the high-profile case.
During the proceedings, ED’s counsel, Dhiraj Trivedi, informed the court of the identification and the commencement of the seizure process of some properties. However, this update prompted Justice Sinha to probe into the reasons behind the investigative delays.
“If the property has been identified, why is it taking so much time?” she inquired, highlighting concerns over the pace at which the properties are being processed.
Trivedi responded by noting the procedural steps involved in confirming the crime through the seizure of property and mentioned that additional properties had been discovered. He also referenced the sending of a voice sample of one accused for testing, which is pending results from Delhi, as a factor in the ongoing investigation.
Justice Sinha expressed apprehension about the potential impact of these delays on the investigation’s outcome, stating, “If time passes this way, everyone will be out of investigation. Then you won’t get anything else. All these steps will not work..”
This remark underscores the urgency of advancing the investigation to prevent the dilution of its effectiveness. Trivedi assured the court of the ED’s diligent involvement at every stage of the case, despite facing challenges, including legal opposition to any directive issued by the agency.
“We are fighting tooth and nail. I am fighting in all courts from Single Bench to Supreme Court,” Trivedi asserted, committing to provide a detailed report in the next hearing scheduled for March 12.
The dialogue between Justice Sinha and the ED’s counsel reflects the complexities and challenges inherent in high-stakes investigations, where procedural intricacies and legal hurdles can impede swift progress. The court’s initial directive for the investigation to be concluded by the end of 2023 has already seen a delay, with the ED citing the receipt of substantial information as a reason for the extension of the timeline. The agency’s recent claim of discovering more properties adds another layer to the case, suggesting a broader scope of investigation than initially anticipated.
As the Calcutta High Court awaits a comprehensive update in the forthcoming hearing, the focus remains on the ED’s ability to navigate the procedural and legal challenges to bring the investigation to a conclusive end. The case continues to attract attention, not only for its implications on the accused but also for its test of the investigative and judicial processes in handling cases of significant public and legal interest.