Bengaluru: Karnataka minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan has been issued notice by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the IMA group scandal, which has left thousands in the lurch.
The minister has been given one week’s time to appear before the ED submit details about the sale of a property to IMA group managing director Mohammed Mansoor Khan, who is now absconding.
A criminal case for money laundering was filed against the IMA group of companies and Mansoor Khan by the ED.
The ED Friday said it has attached IMA Jewels’ assets, worth Rs 209 crore, in its money laundering probe into the alleged ponzi scam. The central agency said its Bengaluru zonal office has issued a provisional order, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, for attachment of immovable assets worth Rs 197 crore and about Rs 12 crore deposits in bank accounts.
Speaking to reporters about the summon, the minister said he welcomed the probe by ED but wondered how the ED got involved in the investigation. He said even CBI should be involved in the investigation as economically weaker people who had invested in the firm would get justice.
In a recent development, BJP’s Karnataka unit demanded a CBI probe into the alleged fraud and also raised questions about Zameer Khan’s alleged links with Mansoor Khan. “While asking him (Mansoor) to come back, Zameer, who is a minister, has said that ‘the government is with you (Mansoor), don’t fear’. What does this mean? The chief minister has to answer,” PTI quoted State BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa as saying.
Reacting to this, Zameer Khan said it was he who took the initiative after the incident came to light and sought a SIT probe.