A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai on Monday extended the judicial custody of NCP leader Sameer Bhujbal for another fourteen days in a money laundering case.
A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai on Monday extended the judicial custody of NCP leader Sameer Bhujbal for another fourteen days in a money laundering case.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) sought extension of Bhujbal’s judicial custody, saying that it had managed to unearth a trail of Rs 45 crore in addition to what was recovered in the past but the investigation was still on and hence his custody should be extended.
Bhujbal’s judicial custody got over on Monday, and he was produced before the court via video conferencing because escort staff was not available as the majority of police personnel were deployed on security of city on the eve of Mahashivratri.
During the hearing, public prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar requested the special judge H.S. Mahajan to extend Bhujbal’s judicial custody, as the investigation in the case was still in progress.
On the other hand, Bhujbal’s lawyer R.B. Mokashi opposed the ED’s request, claiming that the investigating agency had failed to show any progress in the investigation. He also said that all the documents had been provided to the investigating agency. “The investigating agency is alleging non-cooperation from Bhujbal, but we have provided all documents and if the officers are unable to make any sense out of them, it is not the fault of the accused,” said advocate Mokashi. “Cooperation does not mean my client pleads guilty,” he further added.
Though the defence has not filed for Bhujbal’s bail, it is opposing extension of his judicial custody because, as the per law, if the court comes to a conclusion that further judicial custody of an accused is not required, it can suo motu hear his bail application.
However, Mr Venegaonkar told the court that till last remand, the ED had information about Rs 175 crore but now the officers had unearthed a money trail of Rs 45 crore in addition to what was found earlier, which comes to more than Rs 200 crore out of Rs 887 crore. However, according to him, the investigation about rest of money is still in progress and hence Bhujbal’s judicial custody should be extended.
After hearing the arguments, Judge Mahajan extended Bhujbal’s custody till March21.
The ED had registered two Enforcement Case Information Reports (ECIRs) under the PMLA against the NCP leader. The first case pertains to the Maharashtra Sadan scam and Kalina land allotment case while the second case relates to a housing project at Navi Mumbai wherein its developer had allegedly collected 10 per cent of the flat’s total cost as booking amount in 2010 but started no work.
The ED has arrested Bhujbal in connection with suspected illegal transaction to the tune of above Rs 800 crore.
