ED Summons Jayant Patil Over The IL&FS Money Laundering Case

NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate in Mumbai questioned Jayant Patil, the president of the Maharashtra NCP, for more than nine hours on Monday in relation to a money laundering investigation involving suspected accounting irregularities at the now-bankrupt financial services company IL&FS.

Patil, however, said that he was not questioned about the case.

"Not a single question was asked about the alleged Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) scam," said Jayant Patil, following his nine-hour questioning by the ED.

Jayant Patil stated during a news conference that he was questioned on various topics. All of it, nevertheless, had nothing to do with the IL&FS business.

In fact, Patil insisted that he has never had any association with the aforementioned business or anyone connected to it throughout his life.

Patil informed reporters that he responded to all of the ED official's questions and praised the inquiry agency for treating him well throughout the investigation. He added that the party leaders are Sharad Pawar's soldiers and are forced to fight.

Patil reached the ED's office in south Mumbai at around 11.50 am in the presence of a large number of party supporters. He came out of the office at around 9:25 pm.

Interestingly, minute details regarding the Rajaram Bapu Co-operative sugar factory owned by the Patil family since its inception were asked during questioning, highly placed sources with the NCP told India Today.

Sources also said Patil was questioned about the year during which the sugar factory was commissioned, the board of directors then and now, the sales turnover, and the production capacity of the factory.

The Rajaram Bapu Sahakari (Co-operative) Bank LTD, which has been governed since 1981 by a board of directors with ties to the Patil family, was also the subject of inquiries.

The ED officials also factored in information regarding the total sales and yearly financial turnover.

Sources claim that an official used to ask new sets of questions and sub questions based on the previously recorded remarks after each round of questioning.

Patil, 61, was summoned to appear before the ED for the first time on May 12; however, he requested a 10-day postponement due to a number of personal and professional commitments. Patil represents the Islampur seat in the Sangli district. His appearance on May 22 was subsequently requested.

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