Puri got funds from both Channels in Agusta Westland deal: ED

Puri got funds from both Channels in Agusta Westland deal: ED

(A File Photo) India has terminated the Rs. 3,600 crore deal for VIP choppers with AgustaWestland after bribery allegations tainted the deal, on Jan.1, 2014. (Photo: IANS)

New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) Ratul Puri received funds from both channels in the AgustaWestland deal, the Enforcement Directorate said in its reply to the anticipatory bail plea moved by Puri.

In its reply filed before Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar, the agency said: "Investigation have revealed that Ratul Puri received funds from both the channels in the money trail (Interstellar Technology and Christian Michel)."

The ED has further alleged that Puri is linked to Sushen Mohan Gupta. "The entries in the diaries belonging to Sushen Mohan Gupta further showed culpability of the Applicant (Puri) is in receipt of proceed of crime," the reply read.

The agency has further alleged that even though Puri has claimed that he has not influenced the witnesses, he was in conversation with accused turned approver Rajiv Saxena.

Denying the averments made by Puri that he was permitted lunch and a short meeting, the ED has claimed that "no such meeting was permitted"

"Investigation in the regard has revealed that no such meeting was to take place on the said date but the Applicant (Puri) only went to his lawyers from the office of the Respondent (ED). Thereafter, after a short span of 15-20 minutes, left with his lawyer while his lawyer's car and driver were stationed at the same place," the reply read.

The agency further alleged that Puri left the investigation in between on Friday. "It is pertinent to note that on July 27, 2019, the statement of the applicant was being recorded. In the middle of the ongoing investigation, Puri chose to leave the ED office admittedly, only highlighting his non cooperation and deliberate evasion," the ED said.

The ED further alleged: "It is an admitted position of Puri that he did not even deem it appropriate inform the Investigating Officer before leaving, even though his statement on the said date had begun".

The ED also submitted that Puri on one hand is projecting apprehension and reasons of belief of his own arrest and on other hand he came at 11:30 a.m. instead of scheduled time of 2 p.m.

"This even entails doubt that Puri came in to sit at the reception and see who are the others being summoned and appearing, only in a bid to hamper the investigation," the ED added.

While Special Public Prosecutors (SPPs) D.P. Singh and Naveen Kumar Matta are representing the economic watchdogs, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Vijay Aggarwal are appearing for Puri.

Earlier on Monday, Special Judge Arvind Kumar extended the interim protection granted to Puri while slating the matter for hearing today at 12 p.m.

Puri is under the scanner of probe agencies for allegedly receiving kickbacks in AgustaWestland deal through his companies.

The probe agency has alleged that accounts associated with firms owned and operated by Puri were used to receive kickbacks and launder money in AgustaWestland the deal.

--IANS

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