After facing scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate, NCP leader Praful Patel finally received a major relief when a Mumbai Tribunal quashed the agency's order to attach his properties worth over Rs. 180 crore. However, the decision was met with criticism from opposition leaders, who accused the BJP, PM Modi and Amit Shah of orchestrating the move. The ED had alleged that Patel's properties were acquired illegally from the widow of an accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, but the tribunal rejected this claim and stated that the properties were not involved in money laundering.
Praful Patel Secures Relief in Attachment Case, Sparks Political Debate
Background:
Praful Patel, a prominent politician from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has been under scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case. The ED had attached Patel's properties worth over Rs. 180 crore, alleging that they were acquired illegally.
Recent Development:
On March 8, 2023, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Tribunal in Mumbai quashed the ED's attachment order. The tribunal ruled that the properties were not involved in money laundering and ordered that they be released to Patel.
Political Reaction:
The decision has sparked a political debate, with opposition leaders accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of interfering in the case. The BJP has denied these allegations, claiming that the ED acted independently.
Allegations against Patel:
The ED had alleged that Patel acquired the properties from the widow of Yaqub Memon, one of the accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case. However, the tribunal rejected this claim, stating that there was no evidence to support it.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
Q1: What is the background of this case? A: Patel has been under investigation by the ED in connection with alleged money laundering and illegal acquisition of properties.
Q2: Why did the DRI Tribunal quash the attachment order? A: The tribunal ruled that the properties were not involved in money laundering and that there was no evidence to support the ED's allegations.
Q3: What are the political implications of this decision? A: Opposition leaders have accused the BJP of interfering in the case, while the BJP has denied these allegations.
Q4: Was Patel involved in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts? A: No, Patel has not been accused of any involvement in the Mumbai serial blasts.
Q5: What is the future of this case? A: The ED may challenge the tribunal's decision in court, and the outcome of that legal battle will determine the final outcome of the case.
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