Court rejects Maharashtra mantri’s plea to drop PMLA case | India News

NEW DELHI: In a setback, Ajit-Pawar led NCP and a verdict that could impact other PMLA cases, a special court in Mumbai on Friday dismissed a plea by NCP heavyweight and Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal That money laundering case against him and other employees will be dismissed. The minister has argued in vain that ACB FIR (scheduled offence), a prerequisite for a PMLA casehas been destroyed.
The investigation against Bhujbal, his son Pankaj, nephew Sameer and other associates was first initiated by ACB, Maharashtra on the directions of Bombay HC. After an initial investigation, ACB registered an FIR in June 2015. This formed the basis ED to register an examination under PMLA.
However, ACB later dropped the charges against accused Bhujbals. Emboldened by their acquittal by ACB, the suspects have moved a special court to drop the PMLA case against them as well, as it requires the existence of a scheduled offence. However, the PMLA Special Court rejected their contention, distinguishing between a schedule violation and that under the PMLA, while observing that “the facts which emerge therefrom, even if taken at face value, reveal the existence of ingredients constituting the alleged crime”.
ED had completed its investigation and filed a chargesheet in 2016. The special court took cognizance of the charge sheet, prima facie validated ED’s findings and allowed charges to be filed against the accused.
The investigation linked ‘proceeds of crime’ of Rs 280 crore received by one of Bhujbal’s alleged associates as kickbacks generated in lieu of the works awarded without tender for construction of Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi and RTO office in Andheri. Bhujbal was then PWD minister in the Maharashtra government and responsible for awarding the work. ED, during its investigation, had arrested Bhujbal and others and seized assets of the accused worth Rs 433 crore.