Money laundering allegations: ED summons Manipur Congress chief

Manipur: Pradesh Congress Committee president K Meghchandra on Monday expressed doubts over why the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned him to New Delhi in connection with a money laundering case. Manipur Congress president K Meghchandra Singh reportedly did not “personally appear” before the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, even though he was summoned to its office in New Delhi on Monday in connection with an investigation under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). Speaking to the media at his office quarters in Imphal, Meghchandra said, “The Yaripok police station delivered the summons letter to my Yaripok residence on October 3, but I received the letter only on Monday. I am not a minister or in a ruling position, so why the ED sent me a summons letter is still confusing.” He said the letter mentioned that the case is related to money laundering but did not specify which case he was involved in. “Whether it is political vendetta or not, I don’t know. I am still confused,” Meghchandra said. The summons sent on October 3 stated, “Since I, Amit Kumar, A.D., am conducting an investigation under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002,” and further stated, “I consider the personal appearance of Kesham Meghchandra necessary to give evidence and produce records in connection with the investigation or proceedings under the PMLA 2002.” The notice also requested Meghchandra to appear before the A.D. Court on October 7 at 10.30 a.m. to provide evidence in connection with the investigation under the PMLA. “Without prejudice to the provisions of any other law for the time being in force, if you fail to appear at the prescribed place and time or produce the book of accounts or other documents as mentioned in the schedule, you shall be liable for penal proceedings under the PMLA,” the notice warned. Meanwhile, Jairam Ramesh addressed the issue on Twitter, saying Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president K. Meghchandra Singh has been “speaking fearlessly and aggressively against the non-organic PM, Union Home Minister, Manipur CM and BJP, and exposing how they have destroyed Manipur since May 2023.”