Sanjay Mishra, a 1984 batch Indian Revenue Service Officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed the Principal Special Director of the Enforcement Directorate, according to a notice dated 27 October.
The notice says that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Mishra to the post of Principal Special Director, ED. It also said that he has been given the additional charge of the post of Director for a period of three months, or till the appointment of a regular incumbent, whichever is earlier.
Mishra is currently posted with the Income Tax (I-T) department.
According to sources, Mishra is said to be close to the BJP top brass and putting him in the top position at the ED is being seen as an attempt by the NDA government to put up a strong face in the light of the CBI crisis.
Sanjay Mishra has been in the limelight over the years for investigating many high-profile cases like the National Herald case in which Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were accused of criminal misappropriation.
He also investigated the case of disproportionate assets against BSP Chief Mayawati.
Additionally, Mishra is also probing into allegations of tax evasion by NDTV, and issued the Rs 450 crore demand notice that the channel received in 2014.
Mishra is presently serving as a commissioner with Division 4 of the I-T department.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)