ED summons MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Unmesh Joshi, son of former State Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi, in connection with its money laundering probe in the IL&FS alleged payment default case.
The agency is probing Mr. Thackeray’s involvement in the case in connection with the IL&FS group’s loan equity investment in a company called Kohinoor CTNL
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) party chief Raj Thackeray and Unmesh Joshi, son of former State Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi, in connection with its money laundering probe in the IL&FS alleged payment default case, officials said on August 19.
They said that the MNS chief has been asked to appear before the investigating officer of the case on August 22.
Reacting to the development, MNS spokesperson Sandeep Deshpande said, “Raj Thackeray created a sensation during the Lok Sabhapoll campaign earlier this year. It had a significant impacton people and to avoid a similar challenge ahead of theMaharashtra Assembly elections, the ED has issued the notice.”
“It is a case of political vendetta,” he alleged while talking to reporters.
According to reports, investigators are probing the shareholding and investment in Kohinoor CTNL, promoted by Unmesh Joshi, Raj Thackeray and his business partner Rajan Shirodkar. Mr Thackeray had reportedly sold his shares in the consortium in 2008.
A report by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said last week that IL&FS may not have disclosed bad loans on its books for years despite a big part of its loan book having soured.
