New Delhi, Sep 6 (UNI) Special Judge Arvind Kumar on Friday ordered six days Enforcement Directorate custody for Ratul Puri, nephew of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, in a case registered under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act related to the AgustaWestland chopper deal scandal.
ED had registered a case following alleged irregularities in the purchase of 12 VVIP choppers from Italy-based Finmeccanica's British subsidiary, AgustaWestland.
The agency sought custody of Puri, on the grounds that he is required to be confronted with other accused persons, witnesses and evidence collected during investigation, including voluminous materials, to unearth the entire money trail and offence under the provisions of the PMLA.
After hearing arguments on behalf of the ED, the Judge ruled,"Thus keeping in view the facts and circumstances, I deem it fit to grant 6 days ED custody remand of Ratul Puri.'
The investigating agency was directed to get Puri medically examined and allow him to take his medicines after consultation of his physician. Puri was also permitted assistance from his advocate during the custodial interrogation.
UNI XC RP1722