Congress leader and former Karnataka minister DK Shivakumar was on Tuesday arrested under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), reported news agency ANI. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which was questioning him over the last four days, said he was not cooperating with the investigation, the report added.

Congress leader and former Karnataka minister DK Shivakumar was on Tuesday arrested under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), reported news agency ANI. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which was questioning him over the last four days, said he was not cooperating with the investigation, the report added. Shivakumar maintained that he has not done anything wrong and cooperate with the investigating agency. ED issued a summon against Shivakumar on August 29 and asked him to appear before it the next day. Earlier, a Karnataka High Court dismissed his petition challenging the December 2018 summon issued to him. He had also downplayed the allegations of corruptions levelled against him.

Congress leader DK Shivakumar arrested in money laundering case

After being grilled for over five hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) yesterday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-congress-leader-and-minister-shivakumar-accepts-he-tore-resignation-letters-of-dissident-mlas-233654">Congress leader DK Shivakumar</a> again appeared before the agency, which is probing his alleged involvement in a money laundering case, on Saturday.

The 57-year-old leader asserted that he has not done anything wrong and will fully cooperate with the investigating agency.

"I have faith in the system and the law. They are cooperating with me and so am I," the leader told the media persons outside the agency's office. 
The agency had summoned Shivakumar late night on Thursday and asked him to appear before it the next day.

This had come after the Karnataka High Court dismissed his petition challenging the December 2018 summons issued to him.

"We are lawmakers and law-abiding citizens. I do not know why they summoned me under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-arrests-two-former-ilfs-executives-in-pmla-probe-228789">Prevention of Money Laundering Act </a>(PMLA) Act," he had said.&nbsp;

He also downplayed the allegations of corruptions levelled against him.

"It is all a conspiracy. I have not made any mistake, murder or indulged in corruption. The money you found is my money and I earned it," he had said.

After being grilled for over five hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) yesterday, Congress leader DK Shivakumar again appeared before the agency, which is probing his alleged involvement in a money laundering case, on Saturday.

After being grilled for over five hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) yesterday, Congress leader DK Shivakumar again appeared before the agency, which is probing his alleged involvement in a money laundering case, on Saturday. The 57-year-old leader asserted that he has not done anything wrong and will fully cooperate with the investigating agency. "I have faith in the system and the law. They are cooperating with me and so am I," the leader told the media persons outside the agency's office. The agency had summoned Shivakumar late night on Thursday and asked him to appear before it the next day. This had come after the Karnataka High Court dismissed his petition challenging the December 2018 summons issued to him. "We are lawmakers and law-abiding citizens. I do not know why they summoned me under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Act," he had said. He also downplayed the allegations of corruptions levelled against him. "It is all a conspiracy. I have not made any mistake, murder or indulged in corruption. The money you found is my money and I earned it," he had said.

DK Shivakumar appears before Enforcement Directorate in money laundering case

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was questioned on Wednesday by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case involving the State cricket association funds.

ED recorded the&nbsp;National Conference (NC) leader's&nbsp;statement in its Chandigarh office.

The ED's investigation&nbsp;is based&nbsp;on an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2015 alleging a scam involving Rs 38 crore, the report added.

The agency alleged misappropriation of funds provided by the BCCI for developing sports infrastructure and organising cricket matches.

Dr. Abdullah was the president of the cricket association.&nbsp;

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was questioned on Wednesday by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case involving the State cricket association funds.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was questioned on Wednesday by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case involving the State cricket association funds. ED recorded the National Conference (NC) leader's statement in its Chandigarh office. The ED's investigation is based on an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2015 alleging a scam involving Rs 38 crore, the report added. The agency alleged misappropriation of funds provided by the BCCI for developing sports infrastructure and organising cricket matches. Dr. Abdullah was the president of the cricket association.

Enforcement Directorate grills Farooq Abdullah in money laundering case

Indrani Mukerjea, who recently turned an approver in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-cbi-court-allows-indrani-mukerjea-to-turn-approver-232968&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjb-t33x6zjAhUd7XMBHfDvCfQQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1yMrk8qHeucpMPd7YbJHli">INX Media case</a>, on Thursday appeared before a special CBI court here and accepted its pardon in the case in which former finance minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti are facing the probe.

Indrani, the former head of INX Media, appeared before Special CBI Judge Arun Bhardwaj and gave an assurance that she will record her statements "truthfully with all the facts".&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the court had allowed her application seeking to turn approver in the case. The court had also allowed her plea seeking pardon.&nbsp;

Today, with her acceptance of pardon in the court, she has become an approver and is no more an accused."I am aware that the court has allowed the application and granted me pardon, subject to the conditions as mentioned in that order. In the case of giving false evidence and not complying with the condition, I would be tried for the offence," she told the court. Indrani said that she will abide by the terms and conditions without "fear or pressure".

Last year, Indrani, after giving a confessional statement in the court, had filed a plea seeking to become an approver. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had earlier submitted that it has come across evidence in the form of conversations which only Indrani is privy to and will help consolidate the case.

On May 15, 2017, the CBI had registered an FIR in the case alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007, during P Chidambaram`s tenure as the finance minister.

Based on the FIR, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had registered a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case against him.&nbsp;

On February 3, the Union Law Ministry granted sanction to the CBI to prosecute P Chidambaram in connection with the matter.

The ED has also attached properties worth Rs 54 crore belonging to his son Karti, and a firm in the case and is probing how the FIPB clearance was granted to the group in 2007.

The agency has claimed that its probe shows that for the FIPB approval, INX Media directors Peter Mukerjea and Indrani Mukerjea had met P Chidambaram so that there was no delay in their application. It has also attached properties belonging to the Mukerjeas.

She is currently lodged in Byculla jail in Mumbai in connection with the case of murder of her daughter Sheena Bora.

Indrani Mukerjea, who recently turned an approver in the INX Media case, on Thursday appeared before a special CBI court here and accepted its pardon in the case in which former finance minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti are facing the probe.

Indrani Mukerjea, who recently turned an approver in the INX Media case, on Thursday appeared before a special CBI court here and accepted its pardon in the case in which former finance minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti are facing the probe. Indrani, the former head of INX Media, appeared before Special CBI Judge Arun Bhardwaj and gave an assurance that she will record her statements "truthfully with all the facts". Earlier this month, the court had allowed her application seeking to turn approver in the case. The court had also allowed her plea seeking pardon. Today, with her acceptance of pardon in the court, she has become an approver and is no more an accused."I am aware that the court has allowed the application and granted me pardon, subject to the conditions as mentioned in that order. In the case of giving false evidence and not complying with the condition, I would be tried for the offence," she told the court. Indrani said that she will abide by the terms and conditions without "fear or pressure". Last year, Indrani, after giving a confessional statement in the court, had filed a plea seeking to become an approver. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had earlier submitted that it has come across evidence in the form of conversations which only Indrani is privy to and will help consolidate the case. On May 15, 2017, the CBI had registered an FIR in the case alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007, during P Chidambaram`s tenure as the finance minister. Based on the FIR, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had registered a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case against him. On February 3, the Union Law Ministry granted sanction to the CBI to prosecute P Chidambaram in connection with the matter. The ED has also attached properties worth Rs 54 crore belonging to his son Karti, and a firm in the case and is probing how the FIPB clearance was granted to the group in 2007. The agency has claimed that its probe shows that for the FIPB approval, INX Media directors Peter Mukerjea and Indrani Mukerjea had met P Chidambaram so that there was no delay in their application. It has also attached properties belonging to the Mukerjeas. She is currently lodged in Byculla jail in Mumbai in connection with the case of murder of her daughter Sheena Bora.

INX Media case: Indrani Mukerjea appears before court, accepts pardon

The Singapore High Court on Tuesday ordered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/swiss-authorities-freeze-nirav-modis-bank-accounts-on-enforcement-directorates-request-230790">freezing of a bank account</a> belonging to fugitive diamantaire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-court-extends-nirav-modis-remand-till-july-25-230888">Nirav Modi</a>'s sister and brother-in-law, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said.

On the request of the ED, the high court directed the freezing of balance of $6.122 million (Rs 44.41 crore) in the account maintained in Singapore by Pavilion Point Corporation, a company owned by Mayank Mehta and Purvi Modi, it said.

The request by the probe agency was made on the ground that the money deposited in the account was illegally siphoned off from Indian banks.

This comes days after Swiss authorities froze four accounts belonging to Modi and his sister Purvi.

Watch: Noose tightens on Nirav Modi

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-watch-noose-tightens-on-nirav-modi-230987/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The bank accounts of the duo having deposit balance of $3,74,11,596 (over Rs 258 crore) and British pound 27,38,136 (over Rs 283 crore) were seized on a plea of the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

The diamantaire was arrested on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the $two billion Punjab National Court (PNB) loan default case.

India is seeking Modi's extradition to make him face the law of the land for allegedly committing economic offences like fraud and money laundering.

Modi is lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London.&nbsp;

The Singapore High Court on Tuesday ordered the freezing of a bank account belonging to fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's sister and brother-in-law, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said.

The Singapore High Court on Tuesday ordered the freezing of a bank account belonging to fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's sister and brother-in-law, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said. On the request of the ED, the high court directed the freezing of balance of $6.122 million (Rs 44.41 crore) in the account maintained in Singapore by Pavilion Point Corporation, a company owned by Mayank Mehta and Purvi Modi, it said. The request by the probe agency was made on the ground that the money deposited in the account was illegally siphoned off from Indian banks. This comes days after Swiss authorities froze four accounts belonging to Modi and his sister Purvi. Watch: Noose tightens on Nirav Modi The bank accounts of the duo having deposit balance of $3,74,11,596 (over Rs 258 crore) and British pound 27,38,136 (over Rs 283 crore) were seized on a plea of the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The diamantaire was arrested on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the $two billion Punjab National Court (PNB) loan default case. India is seeking Modi's extradition to make him face the law of the land for allegedly committing economic offences like fraud and money laundering. Modi is lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London.

Singapore High Court orders freezing of bank accounts of Nirav Modi's sister, brother-in-law

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday informed a Mumbai court that it was willing to provide an air ambulance with medical experts to bring Mehul Choksi from Antigua to India and provide him with all necessary treatment back home.

ED has filed a counter affidavit in a Mumbai court in connection with Mehul Choksi case in which it stated, "The medical reasons and conditions appear to be facades being erected merely to mislead the court in an obvious attempt to delay the lawful proceedings."

ED filed the counter affidavit following Choksi's&nbsp;recent affidavit in a Mumbai court which he stated that he left the country for medical treatment and did not flee.&nbsp;

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Enforcement Directorate in its affidavit in a Mumbai court states, "He (Mehul Choksi) never cooperated in investigation. Non bailable warrant was issued against him. A Red Notice was issued by the Interpol. He has refused to return, he is therefore, a fugitive and an absconder." <a href="https://t.co/meWsiavv2B">pic.twitter.com/meWsiavv2B</a>
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The ED in its affidavit declared Choksi a fugitive and an absconder.

"He (Mehul Choksi) never cooperated in the investigation. A non-bailable warrant was issued against him. A Red Notice was issued by the Interpol. He has refused to return, he is, therefore, a fugitive and an absconder," stated the affidavit.&nbsp;

ED said Mehul Choksi was given several opportunities to join the probe but he evaded questioning.&nbsp;

Condtradicting Choksi's claims that his assets worth Rs 6129 crore were seized, ED said it has attached assets worth only Rs 2100 crore during probe.

Choksi recently submitted an affidavit in the High Court of Judicature at Bombay in which he stated that he left the country for medical treatment and not fled.&nbsp;

Choksi said that he is willing to join the investigation but is unable to travel to India owing to his medical issue. "If the court may deem it fit, it may direct the investigating officer to travel to Antigua," Choksi had said.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday informed a Mumbai court that it was willing to provide an air ambulance with medical experts to bring Mehul Choksi from Antigua to India and provide him with all necessary treatment back home.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday informed a Mumbai court that it was willing to provide an air ambulance with medical experts to bring Mehul Choksi from Antigua to India and provide him with all necessary treatment back home. ED has filed a counter affidavit in a Mumbai court in connection with Mehul Choksi case in which it stated, "The medical reasons and conditions appear to be facades being erected merely to mislead the court in an obvious attempt to delay the lawful proceedings." ED filed the counter affidavit following Choksi's recent affidavit in a Mumbai court which he stated that he left the country for medical treatment and did not flee. Enforcement Directorate in its affidavit in a Mumbai court states, "He (Mehul Choksi) never cooperated in investigation. Non bailable warrant was issued against him. A Red Notice was issued by the Interpol. He has refused to return, he is therefore, a fugitive and an absconder." pic.twitter.com/meWsiavv2B — ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2019 × The ED in its affidavit declared Choksi a fugitive and an absconder. "He (Mehul Choksi) never cooperated in the investigation. A non-bailable warrant was issued against him. A Red Notice was issued by the Interpol. He has refused to return, he is, therefore, a fugitive and an absconder," stated the affidavit. ED said Mehul Choksi was given several opportunities to join the probe but he evaded questioning. Condtradicting Choksi's claims that his assets worth Rs 6129 crore were seized, ED said it has attached assets worth only Rs 2100 crore during probe. Choksi recently submitted an affidavit in the High Court of Judicature at Bombay in which he stated that he left the country for medical treatment and not fled. Choksi said that he is willing to join the investigation but is unable to travel to India owing to his medical issue. "If the court may deem it fit, it may direct the investigating officer to travel to Antigua," Choksi had said.

Ready to provide air ambulance to Mehul Choksi to bring him back to India: Enforcement Directorate tells court 

Former civil aviation minister and NCP leader Praful Patel has been summoned for questioning by the ED again next week as he sought exemption from the session Wednesday in connection with a money-laundering probe related to losses suffered by Air India as part of an alleged multi-crore aviation scam, officials said.

The Rajya Sabha MP was grilled by the agency over two separate sessions on Monday and Tuesday and his statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

He has been summoned again next week for June 17, the officials said.

They said Patel, 62, was asked about the policy decisions taken by the civil aviation ministry during his tenure and his links with alleged aviation lobbyist Deepak Talwar, under arrest in this case, during the two rounds of grilling.

The case emerges from a criminal complaint registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to probe alleged irregularities in fixing air slots for international airlines that purportedly led to losses for national carrier Air India. A case for the purchase of 111 aircraft for the national carrier during Patel's tenure is also under probe.

The former Lok Sabha MP from the Bhandara-Gondia seat in Maharashtra has also been named in a recent charge sheet filed by the federal agency before a court, as a person known to alleged aviation lobbyist Deepak Talwar.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, who was in charge of the civil aviation ministry between 2004 and 2011, has not been mentioned as an accused in the case.

The ED has already questioned a number of people in the senior management of the state-owned airline and the aviation ministry.

The agency had said in the charge sheet "the investigation so far from the accused and others reveal that Patel is a dear friend of Deepak Talwar".&nbsp;

Patel had earlier told the media that "he will be happy to cooperate with the ED for their understanding of the complexities of the aviation sector".

The ED charge sheet in the case named Talwar and claimed that he was in regular touch with Patel. It has alleged that Talwar finalised various communications addressed to Patel on behalf of Emirates and Air Arabia.

According to the charge sheet, Talwar obtained undue favours for private airlines using his contacts.

The agency has also alleged that Talwar was engaged in lobbying with politicians, ministers, public servants and officials in the civil aviation ministry for Emirates, Air Arabia and Qatar Airways in order to secure undue benefits for these airlines.

"He (Talwar) illegally managed to secure favourable traffic rights for these airlines during 2008-2009 at the cost of national carrier Air India," the ED has claimed.

It has also been alleged that in lieu of securing favourable traffic rights, these airlines made payments to the tune of Rs 272 crore to Talwar during 2008-2009.

"He created a web of his own entities and used the companies of his son, Aditya Talwar, in India and international offshore havens to launder Rs 272 crore received from foreign airlines.

"Part of these payments were made to a bank account in the Bank of Singapore, belonging to a company called Asiafield Limited, registered in the British Virgin Islands and beneficially owned by Deepak Talwar," the agency has said in the charge sheet.

Talwar was arrested by the ED early this year after he was deported from Dubai.&nbsp;

Former civil aviation minister and NCP leader Praful Patel has been summoned for questioning by the ED again next week as he sought exemption from the session Wednesday in connection with a money-laundering probe related to losses suffered by Air India as part of an alleged multi-crore aviation scam, officials said.

Former civil aviation minister and NCP leader Praful Patel has been summoned for questioning by the ED again next week as he sought exemption from the session Wednesday in connection with a money-laundering probe related to losses suffered by Air India as part of an alleged multi-crore aviation scam, officials said. The Rajya Sabha MP was grilled by the agency over two separate sessions on Monday and Tuesday and his statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He has been summoned again next week for June 17, the officials said. They said Patel, 62, was asked about the policy decisions taken by the civil aviation ministry during his tenure and his links with alleged aviation lobbyist Deepak Talwar, under arrest in this case, during the two rounds of grilling. The case emerges from a criminal complaint registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to probe alleged irregularities in fixing air slots for international airlines that purportedly led to losses for national carrier Air India. A case for the purchase of 111 aircraft for the national carrier during Patel's tenure is also under probe. The former Lok Sabha MP from the Bhandara-Gondia seat in Maharashtra has also been named in a recent charge sheet filed by the federal agency before a court, as a person known to alleged aviation lobbyist Deepak Talwar. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, who was in charge of the civil aviation ministry between 2004 and 2011, has not been mentioned as an accused in the case. The ED has already questioned a number of people in the senior management of the state-owned airline and the aviation ministry. The agency had said in the charge sheet "the investigation so far from the accused and others reveal that Patel is a dear friend of Deepak Talwar". Patel had earlier told the media that "he will be happy to cooperate with the ED for their understanding of the complexities of the aviation sector". The ED charge sheet in the case named Talwar and claimed that he was in regular touch with Patel. It has alleged that Talwar finalised various communications addressed to Patel on behalf of Emirates and Air Arabia. According to the charge sheet, Talwar obtained undue favours for private airlines using his contacts. The agency has also alleged that Talwar was engaged in lobbying with politicians, ministers, public servants and officials in the civil aviation ministry for Emirates, Air Arabia and Qatar Airways in order to secure undue benefits for these airlines. "He (Talwar) illegally managed to secure favourable traffic rights for these airlines during 2008-2009 at the cost of national carrier Air India," the ED has claimed. It has also been alleged that in lieu of securing favourable traffic rights, these airlines made payments to the tune of Rs 272 crore to Talwar during 2008-2009. "He created a web of his own entities and used the companies of his son, Aditya Talwar, in India and international offshore havens to launder Rs 272 crore received from foreign airlines. "Part of these payments were made to a bank account in the Bank of Singapore, belonging to a company called Asiafield Limited, registered in the British Virgin Islands and beneficially owned by Deepak Talwar," the agency has said in the charge sheet. Talwar was arrested by the ED early this year after he was deported from Dubai.

Praful Patel to appear before Enforcement Directorate again next week

Former civil aviation minister and NCP leader Praful Patel is expected to depose before the ED on Thursday in connection with a money-laundering probe related to the losses suffered by national carrier Air India as part of an alleged multi-crore-rupee aviation scam.

Patel (62) has also been named in a recent charge sheet filed by the federal agency before a court as a person known to alleged aviation lobbyist Deepak Talwar.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, who was in charge of the civil aviation ministry between 2004 and 2011, has not been mentioned as an accused in the case.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), sources said, had already questioned a number of people in the senior management of the state-owned airline and the aviation ministry.

Patel was expected to be quizzed about the statements and revelations made by Talwar, they added.

The statement of Patel, a Rajya Sabha MP, will also be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The four-time MP from the Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra had earlier told that he would be happy to cooperate with the ED for their understanding of the complexities of the aviation industry.

The central agency has recently filed a chargesheet in the case, naming Talwar and claiming that he was in regular touch with Patel.

It has alleged that Talwar finalised various communications addressed to Patel on behalf of Emirates and Air Arabia.

According to the chargesheet, Talwar obtained undue favours for the private airlines using his contacts.

The agency has also alleged that Talwar was engaged in lobbying with politicians, ministers, other public servants and officials in the civil aviation ministry for Emirates, Air Arabia and Qatar Airways in order to secure undue benefits to these airlines.

"He (Talwar) illegally managed to secure favourable traffic rights for these airlines during 2008-09 at the cost of the national carrier, Air India," the ED has claimed.

It has also been alleged that in lieu of securing favourable traffic rights, these airlines made payments to the tune of Rs 272 crore to Talwar during 2008-09.

"He created a web of his own entities and used the companies of his son, Aditya Talwar, in India and international offshore havens to launder Rs 272 crore received from foreign airlines. Part of these payments were made to a bank account in the Bank of Singapore, belonging to a company called Asiafield Limited, registered in the British Virgin Islands and beneficially owned by Deepak Talwar," the agency has said in the chargesheet.

The ED had also told the court earlier that it was trying to find out the names of the officials in the civil aviation ministry, the National Aviation Company of India Ltd and Air India, who favoured foreign airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia, by making Air India give up profit-making routes and timings.

Talwar was booked by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in criminal cases of corruption in August 2017, while the Income-Tax department had charged him with tax evasion.

Talwar was arrested by the ED early this year after he was deported from Dubai.&nbsp;

Former civil aviation minister and NCP leader Praful Patel is expected to depose before the ED on Thursday in connection with a money-laundering probe related to the losses suffered by national carrier Air India as part of an alleged multi-crore-rupee aviation scam.

Former civil aviation minister and NCP leader Praful Patel is expected to depose before the ED on Thursday in connection with a money-laundering probe related to the losses suffered by national carrier Air India as part of an alleged multi-crore-rupee aviation scam. Patel (62) has also been named in a recent charge sheet filed by the federal agency before a court as a person known to alleged aviation lobbyist Deepak Talwar. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, who was in charge of the civil aviation ministry between 2004 and 2011, has not been mentioned as an accused in the case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), sources said, had already questioned a number of people in the senior management of the state-owned airline and the aviation ministry. Patel was expected to be quizzed about the statements and revelations made by Talwar, they added. The statement of Patel, a Rajya Sabha MP, will also be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The four-time MP from the Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra had earlier told that he would be happy to cooperate with the ED for their understanding of the complexities of the aviation industry. The central agency has recently filed a chargesheet in the case, naming Talwar and claiming that he was in regular touch with Patel. It has alleged that Talwar finalised various communications addressed to Patel on behalf of Emirates and Air Arabia. According to the chargesheet, Talwar obtained undue favours for the private airlines using his contacts. The agency has also alleged that Talwar was engaged in lobbying with politicians, ministers, other public servants and officials in the civil aviation ministry for Emirates, Air Arabia and Qatar Airways in order to secure undue benefits to these airlines. "He (Talwar) illegally managed to secure favourable traffic rights for these airlines during 2008-09 at the cost of the national carrier, Air India," the ED has claimed. It has also been alleged that in lieu of securing favourable traffic rights, these airlines made payments to the tune of Rs 272 crore to Talwar during 2008-09. "He created a web of his own entities and used the companies of his son, Aditya Talwar, in India and international offshore havens to launder Rs 272 crore received from foreign airlines. Part of these payments were made to a bank account in the Bank of Singapore, belonging to a company called Asiafield Limited, registered in the British Virgin Islands and beneficially owned by Deepak Talwar," the agency has said in the chargesheet. The ED had also told the court earlier that it was trying to find out the names of the officials in the civil aviation ministry, the National Aviation Company of India Ltd and Air India, who favoured foreign airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia, by making Air India give up profit-making routes and timings. Talwar was booked by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in criminal cases of corruption in August 2017, while the Income-Tax department had charged him with tax evasion. Talwar was arrested by the ED early this year after he was deported from Dubai.

Praful Patel expected to depose before ED in money-laundering probe on Thursday

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, appeared before the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-allows-robert-vadra-to-travel-abroad-for-six-weeks-223806"> Enforcement Directorate</a> on Tuesday in connection with a money laundering case linked to purchase of alleged illegal assets abroad, officials said.

Vadra arrived at the agency's office near India Gate around 10:45 AM. He had skipped the summons on May 31, citing bad health.

Vadra was grilled for about five hours last Thursday when the investigating officer of the case recorded his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Vadra, before deposing before the agency Tuesday, issued a statement on social media saying he was undertaking the questioning exercise for the 13th time "post almost 80 hours with the Enforcement Directorate, answering any number of questions, amidst sensation and unnecessary drama around, I stay focused and calm."

But, he added, "blatantly and carelessly airing my health matters is not correct...But my time spent with people with worst problems, ailing, blind and orphaned kids to see them still smile, gives me the strength to go on."

"My life is unique and I have fought for almost a decade over baseless accusations. Physically situations can change, but ones honest mind cannot. I am determined on the truth and it is a book in the making, for the world to read and know clearly my side...," he said.

Vadra's comment on his health came&nbsp;as a&nbsp;Delhi court on Monday allowed him to travel abroad for six weeks for a checkup and obtain a second opinion on his ailment.

Vadra has appeared before the ED multiple times in connection with this case as also in another criminal money laundering case related to alleged irregularities of land allotment in Rajasthan's Bikaner district.

In this case, the businessman has appeared for the 11th time while in the Bikaner case he has deposed twice before the ED at its Jaipur office.

The agency recently sought cancellation of the anticipatory bail given to Vadra and had also opposed his plea for foreign travel.

The ED had maintained in courts that it required Vadra's custody as he was not cooperating with the investigation.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency had told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.&nbsp;

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday in connection with a money laundering case linked to purchase of alleged illegal assets abroad, officials said.

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday in connection with a money laundering case linked to purchase of alleged illegal assets abroad, officials said. Vadra arrived at the agency's office near India Gate around 10:45 AM. He had skipped the summons on May 31, citing bad health. Vadra was grilled for about five hours last Thursday when the investigating officer of the case recorded his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Vadra, before deposing before the agency Tuesday, issued a statement on social media saying he was undertaking the questioning exercise for the 13th time "post almost 80 hours with the Enforcement Directorate, answering any number of questions, amidst sensation and unnecessary drama around, I stay focused and calm." But, he added, "blatantly and carelessly airing my health matters is not correct...But my time spent with people with worst problems, ailing, blind and orphaned kids to see them still smile, gives me the strength to go on." "My life is unique and I have fought for almost a decade over baseless accusations. Physically situations can change, but ones honest mind cannot. I am determined on the truth and it is a book in the making, for the world to read and know clearly my side...," he said. Vadra's comment on his health came as a Delhi court on Monday allowed him to travel abroad for six weeks for a checkup and obtain a second opinion on his ailment. Vadra has appeared before the ED multiple times in connection with this case as also in another criminal money laundering case related to alleged irregularities of land allotment in Rajasthan's Bikaner district. In this case, the businessman has appeared for the 11th time while in the Bikaner case he has deposed twice before the ED at its Jaipur office. The agency recently sought cancellation of the anticipatory bail given to Vadra and had also opposed his plea for foreign travel. The ED had maintained in courts that it required Vadra's custody as he was not cooperating with the investigation. The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him. The agency had told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties. Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Robert Vadra appears before Enforcement Directorate; statement to be recorded

Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi's cars auctioned for Rs 3.29 crore

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vvip-choppers-mp-cm-kamal-naths-nephew-appears-before-ed-207853&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwipqrHYorbhAhVw7XMBHei_DhwQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2dGCGklh2LeZMKCjVhp8UG">Ratul Puri</a>, nephew of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vvip-choppers-mp-cm-kamal-naths-nephew-appears-before-ed-207853&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj7ya3torbhAhVo4nMBHR0VA90QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Me099G2nmxnEnZYL2AcPk">Kamal Nath</a>, Thursday appeared before the ED in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers money laundering case, officials said.

They said Puri met the Investigating Officer (IO) of the case around 11 AM.

It is expected that Puri’s statement would be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The central agency had Wednesday informed a Delhi court that Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Powerprojects Pvt Ltd, has been summoned in this high-profile case for interrogation.

He is the son of Nita and Deepak Puri, the CMD of optical storage media firm Moser Baer. Nita is Nath’s sister.

The Enforcement Directorate had also informed the court that Puri was summoned for confronting him with Sushen Mohan Gupta, an arrested middleman in the case, whose custodial interrogation was Wednesday extended by three more days by the court.

Seeking the extension of Gupta’s custody, the ED had told the court that he was required to be confronted with various people including Puri in the case pertaining to the now scrapped Rs 3,600 crore chopper deal.

Puri, who was summoned to join the probe on Wednesday, denied having “any connection or involvement of any kind in defence or the case”.

In a statement, his company had said: “He would be fully cooperating with the ED investigation and provide any clarification or information as may be required.”

The about Rs 3,600 crore deal to purchase AgustaWestland choppers for the transport of VVIPs was scrapped by India over allegations of corruption and kickbacks being paid in the deal.

The ED and the CBI are probing the case now and have already filed multiple charge sheets in the case.

Ratul Puri, nephew of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Thursday appeared before the ED in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers money laundering case, officials said.

Ratul Puri, nephew of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Thursday appeared before the ED in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers money laundering case, officials said. They said Puri met the Investigating Officer (IO) of the case around 11 AM. It is expected that Puri’s statement would be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The central agency had Wednesday informed a Delhi court that Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Powerprojects Pvt Ltd, has been summoned in this high-profile case for interrogation. He is the son of Nita and Deepak Puri, the CMD of optical storage media firm Moser Baer. Nita is Nath’s sister. The Enforcement Directorate had also informed the court that Puri was summoned for confronting him with Sushen Mohan Gupta, an arrested middleman in the case, whose custodial interrogation was Wednesday extended by three more days by the court. Seeking the extension of Gupta’s custody, the ED had told the court that he was required to be confronted with various people including Puri in the case pertaining to the now scrapped Rs 3,600 crore chopper deal. Puri, who was summoned to join the probe on Wednesday, denied having “any connection or involvement of any kind in defence or the case”. In a statement, his company had said: “He would be fully cooperating with the ED investigation and provide any clarification or information as may be required.” The about Rs 3,600 crore deal to purchase AgustaWestland choppers for the transport of VVIPs was scrapped by India over allegations of corruption and kickbacks being paid in the deal. The ED and the CBI are probing the case now and have already filed multiple charge sheets in the case.

Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath’s nephew appears before ED for his money laundering case

A Delhi court Tuesday extended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-extends-interim-protection-from-arrest-granted-to-robert-vadra-till-march-19-200712">Robert Vadra's anticipatory bail</a> in a money laundering case till March 25 and asked him to join the probe in the matter after the Enforcement Directorate said he was required for custodial interrogation.

Special judge Arvind Kumar granted the relief to Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Vadra had filed an anticipatory bail application in the case linked to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds.&nbsp;

The property is allegedly owned by him.

On February 16, the court had extended his protection from arrest till today.

ED had said it has received information about various new properties in London which allegedly belong to Vadra, including two houses of five and four million pounds each, six other flats and more properties.&nbsp;

A Delhi court Tuesday extended Robert Vadra's anticipatory bail in a money laundering case till March 25 and asked him to join the probe in the matter after the Enforcement Directorate said he was required for custodial interrogation.

A Delhi court Tuesday extended Robert Vadra's anticipatory bail in a money laundering case till March 25 and asked him to join the probe in the matter after the Enforcement Directorate said he was required for custodial interrogation. Special judge Arvind Kumar granted the relief to Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Vadra had filed an anticipatory bail application in the case linked to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds. The property is allegedly owned by him. On February 16, the court had extended his protection from arrest till today. ED had said it has received information about various new properties in London which allegedly belong to Vadra, including two houses of five and four million pounds each, six other flats and more properties.

Delhi Court extends Robert Vadra's anticipatory bail till March 25, ED says his custodial interrogation required

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, on Saturday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the third time in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering in the purchase of assets abroad.

Vadra arrived at the central probe agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10.45 am in his private vehicle.

Officials said the investigating officer (IO) of the case required Vadra to answer more questions in connection with the case and hence was asked to depose on Saturday, after his two sessions of questioning on February 6 and 7. 
W 
hile Vadra was grilled for the first time for about five-and-a-half hours, he was questioned the second time for about 9 hours.

It is understood that the last time Vadra was "confronted with" documents that the agency had obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources had said.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Sources said Vadra's statement is being recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as was done the last two times.

His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday while she picked him up after questioning on Thursday.

Vadra is also expected to depose before the ED on February 12 in Jaipur in another money-laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court has directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, on Saturday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the third time in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering in the purchase of assets abroad.

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, on Saturday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the third time in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering in the purchase of assets abroad. Vadra arrived at the central probe agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10.45 am in his private vehicle. Officials said the investigating officer (IO) of the case required Vadra to answer more questions in connection with the case and hence was asked to depose on Saturday, after his two sessions of questioning on February 6 and 7. W hile Vadra was grilled for the first time for about five-and-a-half hours, he was questioned the second time for about 9 hours. It is understood that the last time Vadra was "confronted with" documents that the agency had obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources had said. The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him. The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties. Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. Sources said Vadra's statement is being recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as was done the last two times. His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday while she picked him up after questioning on Thursday. Vadra is also expected to depose before the ED on February 12 in Jaipur in another money-laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court has directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.

Robert Vadra appears before ED for third time in money laundering case probe

Karti Chidambaram appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with its probe into the INX media case.

Karti, the son of former Finance Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram, arrived at the ED`s Jamnagar office in central Delhi at 11.05 a.m on Thursday.

Officials said Karti was summoned to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).&nbsp;

It is understood that he would be questioned in the INX Media case, officials said.&nbsp;

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Delhi: Karti Chidambaram arrives at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with INX Media case <a href="https://t.co/ihQSOVZL7Y">pic.twitter.com/ihQSOVZL7Y</a>
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The agency has alleged that Karti received money from INX Media, using his influence to manipulate a tax probe against it in a case of violation of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) conditions to receive investment from Mauritius, reported PTI.

It registered a PMLA case in May 2017 to probe the issue.&nbsp;

Chidambaram has been asked to appear before the financial probe agency on February 8.

Karti Chidambaram appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with its probe into the INX media case. Karti, the son of former Finance Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram, arrived at the ED`s Jamnagar office in central Delhi at 11.

Karti Chidambaram appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with its probe into the INX media case. Karti, the son of former Finance Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram, arrived at the ED`s Jamnagar office in central Delhi at 11.05 a.m on Thursday. Officials said Karti was summoned to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It is understood that he would be questioned in the INX Media case, officials said. Delhi: Karti Chidambaram arrives at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with INX Media case pic.twitter.com/ihQSOVZL7Y — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019 × The agency has alleged that Karti received money from INX Media, using his influence to manipulate a tax probe against it in a case of violation of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) conditions to receive investment from Mauritius, reported PTI. It registered a PMLA case in May 2017 to probe the issue. Chidambaram has been asked to appear before the financial probe agency on February 8.

INX media case: Karti Chidambaram appears before ED for questioning

A Delhi court on Saturday sent AgustaWestland scam accused and lawyer Gautam Khaitan to two-day Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in fresh case of holding black money and money laundering.

Earlier, ED told Patiala House Court that they needed Khaitan's custody for questioning.&nbsp;

"He is running less of a law firm and more of a money laundering business. We need to ask questions. This custody is necessary," ED reportedly told the court.&nbsp;

ED arrested Khaitan, accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, in connection with a fresh case of possession of black money and money laundering on Friday.

Khaitan was placed under arrest Friday night by the agency sleuths under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), ED said.

Sources said a fresh criminal case under the PMLA was filed by the ED against Khaitan on the basis of a case filed by the Income Tax Department against him under Section 51 of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015. 
&nbsp;

A Delhi court on Saturday sent AgustaWestland scam accused and lawyer Gautam Khaitan to two-day Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in fresh case of holding black money and money laundering.

A Delhi court on Saturday sent AgustaWestland scam accused and lawyer Gautam Khaitan to two-day Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in fresh case of holding black money and money laundering. Earlier, ED told Patiala House Court that they needed Khaitan's custody for questioning. "He is running less of a law firm and more of a money laundering business. We need to ask questions. This custody is necessary," ED reportedly told the court. ED arrested Khaitan, accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, in connection with a fresh case of possession of black money and money laundering on Friday. Khaitan was placed under arrest Friday night by the agency sleuths under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), ED said. Sources said a fresh criminal case under the PMLA was filed by the ED against Khaitan on the basis of a case filed by the Income Tax Department against him under Section 51 of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015.

Delhi court sends AgustaWestland scam accused Gautam Khaitan to 2-day ED custody 

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted raids at the premises of some close associates of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, according to his lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan.

Vadra, a businessman, is being investigated by the ED in connection with a land deal in Bikaner in Rajasthan.

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ED Sources: ED has evidence that the persons being raided had received money in their bank accounts from defence suppliers. <a href="https://t.co/zbAZv59uqt">https://t.co/zbAZv59uqt</a>
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Khaitan claimed that the ED officials raided "close associates" and business partners of Vadra in Delhi without even showing any search warrants.

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Lawyer of Robert Vadra on ED team at three locations connected to close aides of Vadra: They have locked our people of Skylight hospitality inside, they are not allowing anyone to go inside. Is this nazism? Is this a jail? <a href="https://t.co/uRQvO8nRvY">pic.twitter.com/uRQvO8nRvY</a>
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They locked up the premises from inside and are not allowing any access to those inside, even to the lawyers, he alleged.

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"Is this rule of law?... Evidence has been fabricated," he alleged while speaking to reporters.

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Lawyer of Robert Vadra on ED team at three locations connected to close aides of Vadra: It has been 4.5 years and they found nothing, so now they are locking us outside and planting and fabricating evidence <a href="https://t.co/mYsoJUzMts">pic.twitter.com/mYsoJUzMts</a>
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He said a newspaper had reported that that three summons had been served on Vadra by the ED but "we have received none."

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted raids at the premises of some close associates of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, according to his lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan.

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted raids at the premises of some close associates of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, according to his lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan. Vadra, a businessman, is being investigated by the ED in connection with a land deal in Bikaner in Rajasthan. ED Sources: ED has evidence that the persons being raided had received money in their bank accounts from defence suppliers. https://t.co/zbAZv59uqt — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Khaitan claimed that the ED officials raided "close associates" and business partners of Vadra in Delhi without even showing any search warrants. Lawyer of Robert Vadra on ED team at three locations connected to close aides of Vadra: They have locked our people of Skylight hospitality inside, they are not allowing anyone to go inside. Is this nazism? Is this a jail? pic.twitter.com/uRQvO8nRvY — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × They locked up the premises from inside and are not allowing any access to those inside, even to the lawyers, he alleged. ED Sources: Raids were also held at locations in Bengaluru( on locations connected to close aides of Robert Vadra) https://t.co/A9uEIsg0rB — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × "Is this rule of law?... Evidence has been fabricated," he alleged while speaking to reporters. Lawyer of Robert Vadra on ED team at three locations connected to close aides of Vadra: It has been 4.5 years and they found nothing, so now they are locking us outside and planting and fabricating evidence pic.twitter.com/mYsoJUzMts — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × He said a newspaper had reported that that three summons had been served on Vadra by the ED but "we have received none."

Enforcement Directorate raids Robert Vadra's close associates: Lawyer

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Thursday conducted searches at two locations here in connection with a foreign exchange contravention case against human rights watchdog Amnesty International India, officials said.

They said the searches are being conducted under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and the central probe agency is looking for documents.

The ED, they said, is looking at a possible and alleged violation of the FEMA linked to an earlier Union home ministry's probe into the NGO's accounts related to Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) funds.

The agency, sometimes back, has frozen over a dozen bank accounts of environmental NGO Greenpeace and its linked entity after it conducted searches at their premises in Bengaluru on charges of alleged forex violations.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Thursday conducted searches at two locations here in connection with a foreign exchange contravention case against human rights watchdog Amnesty International India, officials said.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Thursday conducted searches at two locations here in connection with a foreign exchange contravention case against human rights watchdog Amnesty International India, officials said. They said the searches are being conducted under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and the central probe agency is looking for documents. The ED, they said, is looking at a possible and alleged violation of the FEMA linked to an earlier Union home ministry's probe into the NGO's accounts related to Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) funds. The agency, sometimes back, has frozen over a dozen bank accounts of environmental NGO Greenpeace and its linked entity after it conducted searches at their premises in Bengaluru on charges of alleged forex violations.

Enforcement Directorate raids Amnesty International Bengaluru office

The appellate tribunal against money laundering on Wednesday directed Enforcement Directorate (ED) to maintain "status quo" with regard to the properties of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya till November 26.

Justice Manmohan Singh, chairman of Appellate Tribunal on Prevention of Money Laundering Act, restrained Mallya from dealing with his movable and immovable properties and creating third party interests. &nbsp; &nbsp;"Till the next date of hearing, Vijay Mallya is restrained not to deal with and alter the status of the movable and immovable properties...And shall not create third party interest in any manner directly or indirectly till the next date," the tribunal said.&nbsp;

"The respondent No 1 (ED) shall also maintain the status quo with regard to the properties, the details of which are mentioned in the impugned orders in both appeals till the next date," it added.

The tribunal said that once the banks, which are secured creditors, have obtained the final decree from the court, they are bound to receive the default loan amount from Vijay Mallya and his companies.

"In view of settled law on the subject, I am of the opinion that the appellant bank is the rightful claimant who have already obtained decree against the borrower from Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) under the SARFAESI Act and has a priority rights to recover the loans amount forthwith," Justice Manmohan Singh said.

The ED, he added, does not have "any lien over the said properties as the Appellant banks are now the Legal transferee of said properties", and it "may not retain the said property till the trial is over. They have no legal title and the property is to be returned to the persons lawfully entitled to recover the debts as they are the victim".

The tribunal rapped the ED for not impleading lender banks as parties despite knowing that the loan amounts have to be returned by Mallya and his associate company to them.

"ED has failed to perform his duty not to implead the appellants (lenders) banks despite having full knowledge that the loan amounts have to be returned by Vijay Mallya and his associate company to the banks who are the mortgagees of the attached properties. One fails to understand why they have not done so when they were full aware," the tribunal said.

The order came on a plea filed by State Bank of India and 11 other banks against the February 22, 2017 order passed by the Adjudicating Authority, New Delhi (under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002) confirming the Provisional Attachment Order passed by the Deputy Director, Directorate of Enforcement attaching various movable and immovable properties of Vijay Mallya.

The plea said that the Debt Recovery Tribunal's Bengaluru Bench had allowed recovery proceedings against Kingfisher Airlines Ltd and its promoter Vijay Mallya and directed them to repay 6,203 crore to the State Bank of India-led consortium.&nbsp;

They claimed that lender banks have prior right over the movable and immovable properties of Mallya.

ED argued however that it does not deny that they (banks) are "victims and innocent parties" who are entitled to recover the loan amount, but alleged that the properties cannot be allowed to dispose of at this stage as the possession lies with it till the completion of the trial otherwise it would harm and injury would be caused to the Enforcement Directorate.

Allowing a plea of a consortium of 15 banks for initiating proceedings to recover dues from the Kingfisher Airlines Ltd (KAL), the DRT had in 2017 said that due amount of Rs 6,203.35 crore should be paid "jointly and severally" by the airline and its guarantors Mallya, United Breweries (Holdings) Ltd and Kingfisher Finvest (India) Ltd.&nbsp;

The tribunal had said the entire amount will also attract 11.5 per cent per annum from the date of the application till the date of completion of realisation.&nbsp;

The appellate tribunal against money laundering on Wednesday directed Enforcement Directorate (ED) to maintain "status quo" with regard to the properties of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya till November 26.

The appellate tribunal against money laundering on Wednesday directed Enforcement Directorate (ED) to maintain "status quo" with regard to the properties of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya till November 26. Justice Manmohan Singh, chairman of Appellate Tribunal on Prevention of Money Laundering Act, restrained Mallya from dealing with his movable and immovable properties and creating third party interests. "Till the next date of hearing, Vijay Mallya is restrained not to deal with and alter the status of the movable and immovable properties...And shall not create third party interest in any manner directly or indirectly till the next date," the tribunal said. "The respondent No 1 (ED) shall also maintain the status quo with regard to the properties, the details of which are mentioned in the impugned orders in both appeals till the next date," it added. The tribunal said that once the banks, which are secured creditors, have obtained the final decree from the court, they are bound to receive the default loan amount from Vijay Mallya and his companies. "In view of settled law on the subject, I am of the opinion that the appellant bank is the rightful claimant who have already obtained decree against the borrower from Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) under the SARFAESI Act and has a priority rights to recover the loans amount forthwith," Justice Manmohan Singh said. The ED, he added, does not have "any lien over the said properties as the Appellant banks are now the Legal transferee of said properties", and it "may not retain the said property till the trial is over. They have no legal title and the property is to be returned to the persons lawfully entitled to recover the debts as they are the victim". The tribunal rapped the ED for not impleading lender banks as parties despite knowing that the loan amounts have to be returned by Mallya and his associate company to them. "ED has failed to perform his duty not to implead the appellants (lenders) banks despite having full knowledge that the loan amounts have to be returned by Vijay Mallya and his associate company to the banks who are the mortgagees of the attached properties. One fails to understand why they have not done so when they were full aware," the tribunal said. The order came on a plea filed by State Bank of India and 11 other banks against the February 22, 2017 order passed by the Adjudicating Authority, New Delhi (under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002) confirming the Provisional Attachment Order passed by the Deputy Director, Directorate of Enforcement attaching various movable and immovable properties of Vijay Mallya. The plea said that the Debt Recovery Tribunal's Bengaluru Bench had allowed recovery proceedings against Kingfisher Airlines Ltd and its promoter Vijay Mallya and directed them to repay 6,203 crore to the State Bank of India-led consortium. They claimed that lender banks have prior right over the movable and immovable properties of Mallya. ED argued however that it does not deny that they (banks) are "victims and innocent parties" who are entitled to recover the loan amount, but alleged that the properties cannot be allowed to dispose of at this stage as the possession lies with it till the completion of the trial otherwise it would harm and injury would be caused to the Enforcement Directorate. Allowing a plea of a consortium of 15 banks for initiating proceedings to recover dues from the Kingfisher Airlines Ltd (KAL), the DRT had in 2017 said that due amount of Rs 6,203.35 crore should be paid "jointly and severally" by the airline and its guarantors Mallya, United Breweries (Holdings) Ltd and Kingfisher Finvest (India) Ltd. The tribunal had said the entire amount will also attract 11.5 per cent per annum from the date of the application till the date of completion of realisation.

PMLA tribunal asks ED to maintain status quo on Mallya's properties till Nov 26