Cattle scam: ED hints at tough action against Sukanya Mondal for dodging summons repeatedly

by IANS |

Kolkata, March 18 (IANS) Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is probing the multi-crore cattle smuggling scam in West Bengal, has hinted at taking stern steps against Trinamool Congress strongman Anubrata Mondal's daughter Sukanya Mondal if she makes renewed attempts to dodge the agency's summons.

After Sukanya Mondal skipped the first summons in which she was asked to be present at ED's central headquarters in New Delhi on March 15, the ED sent a second notice directing her to be present on March 20.

But she had communicated to the ED through her counsel that owing to health reasons she would need seven days, sources said.

However, the ED has turned down her plea this time and issued a counter-notice to her on Friday asking her to be present on Monday or be ready for strong action as per legal provisions on charges of non- cooperation in the process of investigation.

The agency officials said that March 20 is very crucial for them in the perspective of a chance to question Anubrata Mondal and Sukanya Mondal together, considering that March 21 is the next date for presenting the Trinamool Congress strongman at Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi.

It was learnt that although ED's counsel will seek further extension of his custody with the agency, their sleuths are not sure whether the court will finally accept the plea on this count or not.

"In case, Anubrata Mondal is remanded to judicial custody, then the chance of questioning him together with his daughter will be over for the time being. So, March 20 is crucial for us to question her along with her father to take the investigation process ahead," an ED associate said.

On March 14, Manish Kothari, the personal chartered accountant of Anubrata Mondal, was arrested by the ED sleuths at the agency's New Delhi office after marathon interrogation. The probe officials claimed that Kothari was arrested after he resorted to thorough non-cooperation during interrogation.

ED sources doubt that Sukanya Mondal's repeated attempts to dodge summons might be prompted by the fear that she might also receive the same fate like Kothari.

Latest News
China spent $240 bn on 20 countries in rescue lending Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 12:12 PM
EC to announce schedule for Karnataka Assembly poll today Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 12:10 PM
Flight lieutenant found dead in UP Air Force base Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 12:04 PM
User will still see tweets in 'For You tab' from people they follow: Musk Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 12:02 PM
Sam Bankman-Fried charged with bribing Chinese officials with $40 mn in crypto Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 11:55 AM
Apple contribution to 'Make in India' smartphone reaches 25% in value terms Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 11:54 AM
Over 15 mn children in US infected with Covid Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 11:49 AM
UK shop price inflation hits new high Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 11:49 AM
Greece to hold general elections on May 21 Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 11:47 AM
Strip-searching of kids by police in UK deeply worrying: Report Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 11:46 AM
Israeli Prez urges immediate dialogue between PM, oppn over contentious judicial overhaul Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 11:45 AM
Allahabad HC issues non-bailable warrant against top UP official Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 11:39 AM
Akhilesh's minor fan fails to meet him for 7th time Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 11:38 AM
UP man gets life term for double murder Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 11:37 AM
2 UP doctors terminated for doing private practice Wed, Mar 29, 2023, 11:35 AM