Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate will question four persons as part of the probe into money laundering allegations against former Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal.
The four are employees of a Singapore-based company in which Armstrong Energy Private Limited, a firm owned by Mr Bhujbal, had invested money.
The four were the initial investors to the Singapore-based company. Later, funds to the tune of $5 million (Rs 30 crore) were transferred from the accounts of Armstrong Energy to Singapore, sources said.
The ED had written to the Reserve Bank of India regarding the transfer. The decision to summon the Armstrong Energy employees was made after receiving a response.
After questioning the four employees, the Enforcement Directorate will summon the Bhujbals if need be. But sources said there was no evidence yet of Mr Bhujbal purchasing a coal mine.
On Wednesday, the agency filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against Mr Bhujbal and his relations.
The former minister is already facing a probe by the Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau, or ACB, which has raided 26 of his properties so far in relation to a corruption case.
The former minister owns properties across Maharashtra - which includes shops, flats and houses and even a 65-acre bungalow with a helipad across Mumbai, Thane, Pune and Nashik.
Today, the Bombay High Court asked the ACB to complete its investigation and submit a final report within two months.
In December, the court had asked that a Special Investigation Team comprising officials of the ACB and ED be set up to probe 11 different allegations of irregularities relating to money laundering by private companies run by Bhujbal, his sons and relatives.
The four are employees of a Singapore-based company in which Armstrong Energy Private Limited, a firm owned by Mr Bhujbal, had invested money.
The four were the initial investors to the Singapore-based company. Later, funds to the tune of $5 million (Rs 30 crore) were transferred from the accounts of Armstrong Energy to Singapore, sources said.
After questioning the four employees, the Enforcement Directorate will summon the Bhujbals if need be. But sources said there was no evidence yet of Mr Bhujbal purchasing a coal mine.
Advertisement
The former minister is already facing a probe by the Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau, or ACB, which has raided 26 of his properties so far in relation to a corruption case.
Advertisement
Today, the Bombay High Court asked the ACB to complete its investigation and submit a final report within two months.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
11-Year-Old Girl Sexually Assaulted By Teacher At Mumbai School Indian-Origin Man Jailed For Helping Friend In Singapore Football Scam "Wrapped In Proud Tricolours": Gautam Adani Posts Airport Terminals' Video On Eve Of Independence Day Mamata Banerjee's Sunday Ultimatum To CBI For Death Penalty In Rape-Murder How Extreme Weather Is Leading To Rise In Child Marriages In Pakistan Who Is Jasveen Sangha, "Ketamine Queen" Charged With Matthew Perry's Death Explained: Occupational English Test For Healthcare Professionals "I Am Sorry": KTR Apologises For Remarks After Woman's Panel Begins Probe Hyderabad Restaurant Raids: Food Safety Violations Found In And Around DLF Cyber City, Gachibowli Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.