ED seeks HC intervention over Punjab police's silence on graft case

The Enforcement Directorate has escalated its pursuit of a major corruption investigation in Punjab by approaching the High Court, citing the state police's inaction despite multiple written pleas to register a case. The ED's move underscores growing tensions between the central agency and Punjab authorities over a sprawling inquiry into alleged irregularities in official postings and transfers. According to ED sources, the agency has dispatched seven separate letters to the Punjab Police seeking registration of a First Information Report, but has received no substantive response. The central agency's allegations centre on an alleged transfers and postings racket allegedly orchestrated by officials close to the state administration. The investigation reportedly involves senior bureaucrats, including members of the Indian Administrative Service, and aims to uncover systematic manipulation of official assignments for personal gain. By approaching the High Court, the ED appears to be signalling its determination to pursue the matter independently if the state authorities continue to stall proceedings. The development marks a significant escalation in what is shaping up to be a high-profile corruption case with potential implications for Punjab's political establishment. The outcome of the High Court petition may determine whether the investigation proceeds under joint supervision or whether the ED exercises its authority to take the probe forward unilaterally.