Monday, February 4, 2013

Madhu Koda Scam : Bastawade got money via hawala

Ranchi: Anil Adinath Bastawade, a key aide of jailed former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda, appeared before a special court here on Wednesday and was remanded in 14 days’ judicial custody.

Bastawade, who had a red corner notice against him by the Interpol, was detained by the Indonesian police on January 21, in Jakarta and later handed over to Enforcement Directorate officials. He was brought to Delhi from Jakarta on Tuesday evening and sent to Ranchi on transit remand.

Bastawade was presented before the prevention of money laundering Act (PMLA) court of R K Choudhary. Appearing on behalf of ED, counsel S R Das said Vastavade was wanted along with Koda and 14 others, and a notice for appearing before the court was pending against him since January 25, 2012. Bastawade has been charged with receiving money from Koda through hawala channel and investing it in real estate and mining projects in foreign countries.

According to ED sources, when Koda was CM between 2006 and 2008, around Rs 3,500 crore was invested within and outside the country to legalize his illegitimately acquired wealth. Bastawade is accused of investing around Rs 250 crore in foreign projects. “The exact volume of money acquired by Bastawade through hawala and other channels to be invested in offshore projects is being calculated by the ED which is likely to run into hundreds of crores,” Das said.

Bastawade pleaded ignorance about the charges and told the court that he was not aware of the charges and how he was linked with Koda and his scam. He, however, conceded that he owns six apartments. His counsel Anshuman Sinha said they would be applying for bail and contest ED’s claims.

“In a case against Amar Singh and others in Uttar Pradesh, the ED has stated that unless other agencies complete their investigations, the directorate is not going to go ahead with the investigation of PLMA charges,” he said.
Courtesy:
Jaideep Deogharia TNN
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