In the midst of the political turmoil in Rajasthan, 3 central agencies including the ED have taken action against those close to the chief minister.
Jaipur| Amid political upheaval in Rajasthan, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s elder brother Agrasen Gehlot’s difficulties seem to be increasing. The Central Investigation Agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Agrasen for questioning. According to news agency sources, Agrasen is scheduled to appear in the ED’s office in Delhi today.
On July 22, the ED raided Agrasen’s house and offices in Jodhpur in the fertilizer scam. Some other people’s hideouts were also raided. This action was taken in four states – Rajasthan, West Bengal, Gujarat and Delhi. Based on the chargesheet of the Customs Department, the ED is investigating money laundering in the Fertilizer Scam.
What was the scam, what was the charge against Agrasen Gehlot?
According to ED officials, Agrasen Gehlot’s company Anupam Agri, was involved in exports of the Muriate of Potash (MOP) fertilizer despite its ban on exports. Indian Potash Limited (IPL) imports the MOP and sells it to farmers at a subsidy.
Agrasen Gehlot was the authorised dealer of IPL. Between 2007 and 2009, his company bought the MOP at a subsidized rate, but sold it to other companies instead of selling it to farmers. Those companies took the MOP to Malaysia and Singapore in the name of industrial salt.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence exposed the fertilizer scam in 2012-13. The Customs Department also imposed a penalty of around Rs 5.46 crore on Agrasen’s company. The BJP made it an issue in 2017. This matter is now again under discussion.
Chief Minister’s OSD was questioned by CBI
In the midst of the political turmoil in Rajasthan, 3 central agencies including the ED have taken action against those close to the chief minister. On July 13, the Income Tax Department raided the offices and residences of Congress leader Rajiv Arora and Dharmendra Rathore. On July 20 and 21, the CBI questioned Congress legislator Krishna Poonia. On July 21, the CBI also questioned the Chief Minister’s OSD Devaram Saini. As per reports, Poonia and Saini were interrogated in the SHO Vishnudat Bishnoi suicide case as well.
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