MUMBAI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out raids at several premises of Shiv Sena MLA from Thane and party spokesperson,
Pratap Sarnaik, in a Rs 175 crore
money laundering case it has registered against Tops Grup security, its promoter Rahul Nanda and others. The raids drew sharp political reactions from partners in the state’s ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi, who accused the Centre of political vendetta.
The case is based on a Mumbai police FIR against Tops Grup, which provides private security services, and Nanda, registered on October 28. In the FIR, it is alleged that Tops Grup had cheated the state agency MMRDA, which had awarded it a contract to provide security guards.
Sena MLA & son summoned by ED for questioning todayThe ED on Tuesday carried out raids at the premises of Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik. One of the former employees of Tops Grup is a complainant in the police FIR on which the ED case is based. During investigation, the ED found that Sarnaik had helped Rahul Nanda of Tops Grup get the MMRDA contract and benefited from the deal, sources said.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar termed the raids a "classic case of abuse of power", while Sena's Sanjay Raut said Sarnaik was being targeted "as he had raised the issue of architect Anway Naik's death" in which Republic TV's Arnab Goswami, booked for abetment of suicide, was arrested before being released on SC's orders. State Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat alleged "Central agencies are targeting politicians speaking up against BJP."
Sarnaik, who represents the Ovala-Majiwada constituency, had moved a breach of privilege motion against Arnab Goswami and sought reopening of the probe into the suicide of Anway Naik. Sarnaik was not at home when ED officials raided his premises and offices. He was not available for comment.
The ED alleged Nanda illegally transferred the money out of the country. Nanda said Sarnaik was a friend and has no business relations with him, and the ED action has been initiated by two former senior management executives of his company. The ED collected the FIR from the police on the basis on which they have registered the case under the Prevention of
Money Laundering Act.
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ED officials picked up Sarnaik's elder son Vihang from Thane for questioning and brought him to their office in Ballard Pier in the afternoon. He was allowed to go home at 8pm. The ED has collected Vihang's phone for examination and he has been called for questioning again on Wednesday. The ED has also summoned Pratap Sarnaik for questioning on Wednesday. It also summoned Nanda for questioning, but he is stated to be out of the county.
The ED raided Nanda and Sarnaik's premises along with others to collect evidence. A source said, "There is diversion of funds. Nanda took money abroad illegally and caused loss to the government."
Nanda in a text message said, "Pratap (Sarnaik) is an old friend. I would like to clarify that he has not invested a single penny into my business or company ever. He or Shiv Sena has nothing to do with Tops. This allegation is completely absurd.''
ED officials requested for CRPF help for the raids.