The Jharkhand High Court, in response to allegations that some inmates at Birsa Munda jail were trying to falsely implicate Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, has ordered the federal investigative agency to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit a report in a sealed envelope.

Several individuals who have been arrested by a federal investigative agency in connection with a suspected land scam and money laundering case in Jharkhand are currently in judicial custody at Birsa Munda Jail.

During proceedings related to a separate case on Tuesday, a division bench consisting of Chief Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra and Justice Ananda Sen referred to reports published in some media outlets. These reports highlighted alleged efforts by inmates at Birsa Munda Jail in Ranchi to falsely implicate Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers in money laundering cases.

On November 3, the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at Ranchi Jail in response to information suggesting that there was a "conspiracy" taking place within the jail to tamper with witnesses and destroy evidence related to a suspected land scam and money laundering case in Jharkhand. This information was conveyed by official sources.

In response to intelligence indicating that certain local individuals with a history of muscle power had conspired to manipulate witnesses, harm ED officials, and interfere with or destroy evidence, a joint search operation was initiated by agency officials along with the jail staff, as reported by the sources.

Following the discovery of documents and other evidence obtained during the jail raid, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued summons to three jail officials for additional questioning in the case. The individuals summoned by the agency include Birsa Munda Central Jail superintendent Hamid Akhtar, jailor Naseem, and head clerk Danish. They have been requested to appear in person to provide further information and facts related to the matter, according to sources.

The agency has taken into custody approximately 14 to 15 individuals in connection with the case, which includes the arrest of 2011-batch IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan. Chhavi Ranjan had previously held positions as the director of the state social welfare department and the deputy commissioner of Ranchi.

The investigation concerns the Enforcement Directorate's claim that a substantial illicit operation involving the unauthorized transfer of land ownership by a criminal network was taking place in Jharkhand.