Business Standard

Koda's arrest imminent: ED sources

Image

Press Trust ofIndia New Delhi

The arrest of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is "imminent" as the evidence against him, for allegedly carrying out hawala transactions and illegal investments worth crores of rupees, "is satisfying".

"It is (Koda's arrest) imminent. The evidence is satisfying," the sources said, adding the alleged documentary proofs and subsequent leads found against Koda and his associates will culminate in his arrest, soon after his discharge from a hospital in Ranchi.

The sources added the information obtained from the seized documents and affidavits will have to be put across to Koda for further progress in the case, which can only happen after detailed questioning.

 

"Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the arrest takes place under section 19. Authorities from both Income Tax department and the ED are waiting for the medical reports of Koda and his subsequent discharge from the hospital," they said.

Meanwhile, the IT department officials are still carrying out the sealing exercises on the properties of Koda and his associates. The searches had begun on October 31.

The ED is also preparing to send notices for production of documents and attendance in person against certain other associates of the former Jharkhand Chief Minister, they said.

Both the departments (IT and ED) will also initiate the proceedings for attachment of properties soon.

Earlier the ED had served summons to Koda and his associates, for questioning them on alleged hawala transactions and investments.

Both the departments have started scrutiny of the documents related to alleged hawala transactions and investments running into more than Rs 2,000 crore by Koda and his associates.

The ED had filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (equivalent to an FIR) before the Prevention of Money Laundering Act court in Ranchi against the former CM, his cabinet colleagues Kamlesh Singh, Bhanu Pratap Shahi and Bhandu Tirkey besides five others.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Nov 05 2009 | 4:43 PM IST

Explore News