Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal remained non-cooperative and kept on blaming other persons for misdeeds during his 10-day custodial remand in connection with a Rs 538 crore PMLA case.
Noting that the statement of Goyal recorded by the ED indicated that he gave some evasive answers during questioning, the court extended his custodial remand till September 14.
"It is the contention of the ED that huge loan of Rs 538 crore was taken from a consortium of banks for a specific purpose, which was not utilised for the same, but for personal gains and needs. It is also alleged that from the said proceeds of crime, properties were purchased abroad. The accused alone knows the details thereof, so unless he cooperates, the investigation cannot reach the end use of the said proceeds of crime.
"The statements of the accused prima facie indicate that he avoided to give details of all his bank accounts in India and abroad, and details of movable and immovable properties in India and abroad. When he was interrogated on these details, he referred to the name of Hasmukh Gardi, a resident of the UAE whom he had given power of attorney. Therefore, confrontation of the said person with the accused is necessary and the ED has taken active step for the same," the court said in its order.
The court noted that various statements and materials collected during his ED remand revealed that Goyal created various trusts abroad through which he purchased various immovable properties. The court said the money for those trusts was nothing but the proceeds of crime siphoned off from India to abroad.
Goyal did not provide those details, but referred to Dilip Thakkar whom the ED proposes to examine and confront with the accused. He would be appearing before ED on September 14.
Careful examination of the statements indicates that Goyal denied any role in approving the exorbitant bills of professionals and advocates, but his secretary, Jennifer D'souza, and Amit, ex-CEO of Jet International Ltd, have confirmed the same.
12/09/2023 IANS/Daijiworld
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