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Being subjected to media trial: Majithia

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Press Trust of India Jalandhar
Punjab Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, who was quizzed by Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Rs 6,000-crore international drug racket case, today said he extended full cooperation to the ED but lamented that he was being subjected to "media trial".

Majithia said he had extended full cooperation to the Central agency "despite the short notice" given to him as he was keen to join investigations and ensure the truth is laid bare before the people.

He further said he had acted in a "pro active manner" ever since he received the central agency's summons on December 19.

"I was engaged in a three day (Punjab) Assembly session and there was a three day holiday also. I could have asked for more time. However, I decided not only to receive the summons on phone but also present myself before the agency at the first opportunity itself," he said in a statement here.
 

The minister said he had always maintained from day one that the truth should come out and it was because of this he was keen that investigations on this issue be speeded up.

"Earlier also five Central agencies have investigated the matter during Congress-led UPA rule and found nothing in it. Now, I want a closure to the media trial I am being subjected to on a daily basis since the last one year and this is why I am myself keen to answer any queries on this issue as quickly as possible," he said.

Majithia, the younger brother of Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur and brother-in-law of Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, reached the agency's office here today, where a criminal case has been registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED questioned Majithia for over four hours in connection with its probe into the alleged money laundering in the Rs 6,000-crore international drug racket case.

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First Published: Dec 26 2014 | 8:35 PM IST

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