THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was Kerala Kaumudi that exposed the government’s foul play to stop Yogesh Gupta, a DGP-rank officer, from becoming the head of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Now, in a setback to the state government, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has directed it to issue vigilance clearance to Yogesh within five days.

On June 15, Kerala Kaumudi reported that clearance was being withheld despite no case or investigation pending against him. The Tribunal’s order followed a petition filed by Yogesh.

With vigilance clearance, Yogesh is now eligible for central deputation. Once Rahul Navin’s term ends in August, Yogesh could take charge as ED Director. Until then, he may serve in another central force. The post of BSF chief will also fall vacant in November.

The state had cited a CBI probe—ordered by the High Court against a senior official—as the reason for holding back clearance, since vigilance files were handed over to the CBI. While in vigilance, Yogesh had gathered records of fraud in cooperative banks. Fearing complications if he joined the ED with these files, the government allegedly tried to block his deputation.

DGP who filed complaint online

A chartered accountant by training, Yogesh served five years in the CBI and seven in the ED. He became known as a nightmare for money launderers, bank fraudsters, and tax evaders. As ED Special Director, he spearheaded high-profile probes including the Saradha, Rose Valley, and Seashore chit fund scams, the Narada bribery tape, and the Basil investment fraud in Bengal- cases that led to the arrest of top politicians.

The Centre is keen to appoint him as the ED chief. Yogesh had been given clearance five months ago to be considered for the post of state police chief. But when it became clear that his central posting could be at the ED, the state allegedly moved to block him. On June 1, Yogesh lodged a complaint through the Chief Minister’s grievance cell—the first time a DGP has done so—but no action followed. A 1993 batch officer from Mumbai, Yogesh, has service until April 2030.

Nine transfers in three years

• In three years, Yogesh was transferred nine times, each to posts without law-and-order responsibilities.
• The government alleged he had probed one minister and seven IAS officers without permission, in a bid to block his clearance.
• Internal checks found no evidence, exposing the false claims.
• Even a direct probe by the Chief Secretary failed to uncover anything against him.