Enforcement Directorate crossing limits; treating people inhumanely: Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel

The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh alleged that the agency has been torturing and harassing people in the name of investigation and dubbed the action as “unfortunate”.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on November 28 stepped up his attack on the Enforcement Directorate (ED), accusing the probe agency of crossing its limits and treating people inhumanely in the State.

Talking to reporters at the helipad in Police Lines in Raipur, Mr. Baghel alleged that the agency has been torturing and harassing people in the name of investigation and dubbed the action as “unfortunate”.

The Chief Minister's remark has come a day after he targeted the ED in a series of tweets accusing it of assaulting and intimidating people.

The ED had recently arrested four persons, including IAS officer Sameer Vishnoi and two coal traders, in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the alleged extortion from mining transporters.

When asked about the ED's action, Mr. Baghel said, “..it is very wrong. They are acting beyond their limits. There is information that people were beaten up with rods, not given water to drink, not allowed to sit (for several hours) and even not allowed to sleep...” “I don't think any government or court will allow such an inhumane treatment. It is very unfortunate that the agency has crossed its limits,” he said.

The Chief Minister had on Sunday tweeted that State officials have been directed to inform the Central government about “illegal” actions by the ED.