The Enforcement Directorate (ED) interrogated Jayant Patil, the senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state chief and former Maharashtra minister, for over nine hours on Monday. This questioning was part of the agency's investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the debt-ridden Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS). Patil denied all allegations during the session and expressed no connection with IL&FS. A report was published regarding the same in the Hindustan Times.
ED Investigation and Allegations
ED sources claimed that Patil was questioned to verify allegations of his involvement as a beneficiary of illicit funds through his aides. The agency recorded the statement of a suspect who mentioned a transaction linked to proceeds of crime. However, Patil vehemently denied any involvement in bribery or wrongdoing.
Probe into Subcontractor Payments
The agency is currently investigating allegations that a subcontractor of IL&FS made cash and bank transactions to individuals suspected to be Patil's aides. ED sources suspect that these indirect payments occurred during Patil's tenure as a public servant. The agency has already questioned the individuals involved and conducted searches as part of its verification process.
Patil's Response and Political Support
After the questioning, Patil addressed the media and refuted all allegations, emphasizing that no payments were made to or from his account. He claimed the accusations were false and assured that he had provided satisfactory answers to the ED's questions. Patil also asserted that he has no links to IL&FS. Meanwhile, a large contingent of NCP workers expressed their support for Patil, rallying outside the ED office.
Background and Previous Investigations
The ED's probe into IL&FS began in February 2019, based on a case filed by the Delhi Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) against IL&FS and its officials. The agency later took cognizance of a complaint filed by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) against IL&FS Financial Services (IFIN) and its officials. Earlier this month, the ED conducted searches in Mumbai against two former IL&FS audit firms, BSR and Associates, and Deloitte Haskins and Sells.
Accusations Against IL&FS Management
The chargesheet filed by the ED alleges that the senior management of IL&FS engaged in acts of commissions and omissions, leading to personal gains at the expense of the company. The directors were accused of falsifying accounts and engaging in circuitous transactions to inflate the IL&FS group's balance sheet, resulting in further losses for the company.
Political Conspiracy Claims
Supporters of Patil, including NCP workers, have claimed that the accusations against him are part of a political conspiracy. They describe Patil as a politician with a clean record of public service and emphasize his simplicity and dedication to the people.
The ED's questioning of Jayant Patil in the IL&FS money-laundering probe has garnered significant attention. Patil strongly denied all allegations and stated that he has no association with IL&FS. As the investigation unfolds, the agency continues to probe subcontractor payments and scrutinize documents recovered during the searches. Supporters maintain their unwavering support for Patil, considering the allegations as a political conspiracy.
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