21 hrs ago
ED Presses Punjab Police to Register FIR Before Hearing
The Enforcement Directorate wants Punjab Police to open a criminal case against Nitin Gohil and others.
It has asked for this three times.
The agency sent more digital evidence, including chats, screenshots and certified records.
It also sent a statement made by Gohil during its investigation.
Punjab Police asked for the full original records and other information before acting.
The ED says it already checked the information and that an FIR should be registered when a possible serious crime is reported.
The allegations involve influence over government transfers, postings and other matters, but no court has proved them.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court will examine the issue on September 3.
The Enforcement Directorate sent Punjab Police a third request to register an FIR against Nitin Gohil and others.
The ED supplied clearer chats, screenshots, certified electronic records and Gohil’s statement recorded under the PMLA.
Punjab Police had sought complete records, original electronic data, chain-of-custody documents and an authorised ED officer.
The ED said its information had already been examined and that further material should not delay an FIR for a cognisable offence.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court is due to consider the matter on September 3 amid allegations involving government transfers and postings.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate, Punjab Police, Nitin Gohil and others are involved; the Punjab and Haryana High Court is examining the dispute.
- What
- The ED is seeking immediate registration of an FIR and has submitted additional electronic records and Gohil’s statement.
- Where
- The matter concerns Punjab Police and the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
- When
- The ED’s latest letter was dated August 31; Punjab Police requested further records on August 28, and the court hearing is scheduled for September 3.
- Why
- The ED says the material discloses a cognisable offence and has already been examined, while Punjab Police sought additional records before acting.
Enforcement Directorate’s position
Punjab Police’s stated position
Whether an FIR can proceed now
Enforcement Directorate’s position
The ED says its information was examined, investigated and approved before being shared, and that an FIR should be registered when the information discloses a cognisable offence.
Punjab Police’s stated position
Punjab Police sought further records before acting on the ED’s complaint, including original electronic data, chain-of-custody documents and statements.
Need for additional material
Enforcement Directorate’s position
The ED says requirements for a complete record or an authorised officer cannot become a precondition for registering an FIR, while noting that it has now supplied additional material.
Punjab Police’s stated position
Punjab Police’s August 28 communication requested the complete record and the deputation of an authorised ED officer before proceeding.
Immediate deadline
Enforcement Directorate’s position
The ED has asked for registration of the FIR “forthwith” and wants action before the next High Court hearing.
Punjab Police’s stated position
The issue is before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which has sought the state’s response on the action taken.
Key facts
- Agency request
- The ED has asked Punjab Police for an FIR for the third time.
- Latest communication
- The ED’s latest letter was dated August 31.
- Earlier communications
- The ED previously sent information on July 30 and August 7.
- Additional material
- The submission included clearer chats and screenshots, certified electronic records and Gohil’s ED-recorded statement.
- Legal certification
- The electronic material was accompanied by a certificate under Section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
- Court hearing
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court is scheduled to take up the matter on September 3.
- Nature of allegations
- The allegations concern an alleged network involving influence over transfers, postings and other government-related matters; they have not been established by a court.
Quotes
Enforcement Directorate
India’s federal financial-crime investigation agency
“The information along with material was shared under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002”
thestatesman.com
Sources
Related news
ED Says Punjab Police Failed To Register Transfer Racket FIR
ED Again Seeks Punjab FIR Over Alleged Land-Use Scam
Delhi High Court Says ED Cannot Revive Closed PMLA Case
Punjab CM Mann Rejects ED Letter, Accuses BJP of Politics
ED begins procuring Bengal cases for PMLA probes
Orissa High Court Says Brothel Customers Cannot Face Trafficking Charges
UPSC Key Covers SCO, Electoral Rolls, Economy, Defence and Climate
TMC Alleges Police Misuse and Denial of Legal Notices
Bajwa Questions Punjab Government Over Pending Employee DA Arrears
Banke Bihari Temple to Livestream Rare Janmashtami Mangala Aarti