Today, On 1st May, In the Chhattisgarh coal levy scam case, the Supreme Court questioned why all ED matters are burdened on ASG Raju. “Real issue is that all ED cases are being placed on ASG,” said the bench.
New Delhi: A bail case connected to the Chhattisgarh coal levy scam came up in the Supreme Court, involving Ranu Sahu, a suspended IAS officer who is one of the main accused in this serious money laundering Case.
The case was heard by a bench led by Justice Surya Kant, and some important observations were made regarding the handling of Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases by the law officers.
A lawyer from the office of Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju appeared before the court and requested a short adjournment.
The lawyer said,
“The Additional Solicitor General is facing a genuine difficulty. If possible, the matter may kindly be listed for hearing next week.”
This request was made because ASG SV Raju, who usually appears in all ED-related cases, was unable to attend due to other serious responsibilities.
Justice Surya Kant responded strongly, pointing out that it was not fair to overburden one law officer with so many cases.
He observed,
“The real issue is that all the responsibility for ED cases is being placed on ASG Raju, and it’s too much for one person to handle.” The judge also commented that this was just a regular bail matter and did not require the presence of the most senior ASG who is already overworked.
He said,
“Another ASG should have been assigned to this case. This is just a bail matter, after all. ASG Raju is usually the officer who is always present.”
Also Read: Supreme Court: ED Withdraws Request to Transfer Chhattisgarh Coal Scam Accused
Ranu Sahu, a suspended IAS officer, approached the Supreme Court challenging the Chhattisgarh High Court’s order dated February 8, 2024, which denied her bail in connection with the money-laundering linked alleged coal levy scam.
The High Court, while dismissing the bail plea, cited substantial prima facie evidence indicating Sahu’s involvement in the crime, referencing the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Saumya Chourasiya case.
Sahu was arrested on July 22, 2023, for alleged offenses punishable under Sections 3 and 4 of the PMLA. The ED’s investigation is based on an FIR filed by the Kadugodi Police Station in Whitefield, Bengaluru, following a complaint from the Deputy Director of Income Tax in Bengaluru.
This initiated a comprehensive money laundering investigation by the ED, leading to searches at over 145 locations and the arrest of nine individuals so far, all of whom are currently in judicial custody.
Prosecution complaints were filed on December 9, 2022, and January 30, 2023, in the Special Court (PMLA) against various individuals, including Suryakant Tiwari, Saumya Chaurasia, IAS officer Sameer Vishnoi, among others.
The ED’s investigation revealed that on June 30, 2022, Suryakant Tiwari obstructed officials from performing their duties and destroyed significant incriminating documents and digital evidence related to the alleged illegal extortion of coal transportation payments.
The ED alleges that Ranu Sahu, during her tenure as Collector in the coal-rich districts of Korba (June 2021 to June 2022) and Raigarh (until February 2023), misused her position for personal gain. It is claimed that funds from illegal levies were used for purchase land in her and her family’s name.
Sahu’s husband, J.P. Maurya, also an IAS officer, has been implicated due to his role as Special Secretary in the Geology and Mining Department since June 2021.
The ED has established that the extortion racket accumulated proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 540 crore. These proceeds were allegedly used to fund personal acquisitions and land purchases by Sahu and her family, highlighting the extensive nature of the scam.