ED’s misuse uncovered, lower than 5 computer conviction price: Surjewala

Including perspective, Surjewala contrasted the ED’s exercise beneath the BJP-led NDA authorities with that of the earlier UPA administration. He famous that whereas 911 circumstances have been filed within the final 5 years, solely 102 have been registered throughout the UPA’s decade-long tenure.

“This disproportionate spike in circumstances is a transparent indication of how the ED has been weaponized to focus on opposition leaders and dissenting voices,” he added.

The revelations come amid rising issues concerning the autonomy of investigative companies in India. The Opposition has repeatedly accused the BJP authorities of eroding institutional independence to silence critics and consolidate energy.

Senior leaders from Opposition events, together with the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and others, have confronted ED scrutiny lately. These investigations usually coincide with key elections, elevating questions on their timing and intent.

In poll-bound Haryana, a number of Congress leaders have reported receiving ED summons. Authorized specialists and Opposition leaders argue the ED’s dismal conviction price underscores questions concerning the high quality and intent of its investigations. The company’s high-profile raids and arrests usually fail to face judicial scrutiny, additional supporting claims of misuse, mentioned the Congress chief.