The Congress administration has asserted that the ED is undertaking an entirely biassed inquiry at the direction of its political masters. The state administration claims that these activities are deliberate and intended to sow unrest in Chhattisgarh.
Source: The Wire
It is hardly surprising that this conflict is occurring in a state run by the opposition, especially one that will hold elections later this year. The Central administration has also been charged with abusing the ED and other agencies for political benefit, according to the Aam Aadmi Party (Delhi and Punjab) and the Trinamool Congress (West Bengal).
Earlier last month, the Supreme Court questioned what made ED Director Sanjay Kumar Mishra so indispensable and chastised the government for giving him a third extension. The administration then informed the court that Mishra wouldn’t hold onto his position through November. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act’s unrestricted powers granted to the ED have also been contested in the SC.
Source: Mirror Now
All of these accusations and disputes cast a negative light on the nation’s top agency that looks into instances involving money laundering and transgressions of foreign exchange rules. The ED must make sure that none of its employees use harassment and intimidation tactics against suspects. When using the right to search, seize, summon, and arrest, care must be taken.
Overreaching and being overly aggressive will only damage the agency’s reputation and offer unscrupulous individuals a justification to use the victim card. Politicians’ attempts to outdo each other politically may harm the Union government’s efforts to combat corruption.
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