Arms Dealer Bhandari Opposes ED’s Plea to Declare Him ‘Fugitive’
In a recent development, arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari has opposed the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) petition before a Delhi court seeking to declare him a ‘fugitive’ in connection with a black money case. Bhandari, who has been residing in England, has claimed that his stay in the UK is legal and that his extradition to India was denied by the London High Court.
The ED had filed an application before the Delhi court seeking directions to declare Bhandari a ‘fugitive’ and to confiscate his assets in India. However, Bhandari’s counsel has opposed the ED’s plea, terming it “vague, misplaced and without jurisdiction”.
According to sources, the ED had accused Bhandari of having amassed illegal wealth and had filed a chargesheet against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency had also claimed that Bhandari had fled the country to avoid prosecution.
However, Bhandari’s counsel has disputed these claims, stating that his client’s stay in England is legal and that he had been granted permission to stay in the country by the UK authorities. The counsel also pointed out that the London High Court had denied India’s request for extradition of Bhandari, which means that he cannot be considered a fugitive.
In his petition, Bhandari’s counsel has also questioned the jurisdiction of the ED to seek his declaration as a fugitive. The counsel has argued that the ED’s application is based on a “false premise” and that the agency has no authority to declare a person a fugitive in a foreign country.
The ED’s application had also sought to confiscate Bhandari’s assets in India, including his properties and bank accounts. However, Bhandari’s counsel has opposed this claim, stating that the ED has no jurisdiction to confiscate his assets as they are located in a foreign country.
The Delhi court is yet to hear the ED’s application and Bhandari’s counsel’s objections. The outcome of the case is likely to have significant implications for Bhandari and his associates, who are accused of having laundered millions of dollars through shell companies and fake bank accounts.
The case against Bhandari and his associates is part of a larger investigation into the alleged illegal activities of certain individuals and companies in India. The ED has been probing allegations of money laundering and other financial irregularities in connection with the black money case.
The agency has already attached several properties and bank accounts belonging to Bhandari and his associates, and has also seized a large amount of cash and other assets. However, Bhandari’s counsel has disputed these claims, stating that the ED’s actions are arbitrary and unlawful.
The case is likely to continue for several months, with both sides presenting their arguments and evidence. The outcome of the case will depend on the evidence presented and the court’s interpretation of the law and the facts of the case.
In conclusion, the case against Sanjay Bhandari and his associates is a significant one, with far-reaching implications for the black money case and the investigation into alleged illegal activities in India. The ED’s application to declare Bhandari a fugitive and confiscate his assets is likely to be contested by his counsel, who will argue that his client’s stay in England is legal and that the ED has no jurisdiction to seek his declaration as a fugitive.
