Tricity
Raman Arora, Kiki Dhillon appear before ED in separate money laundering probes
Both Arora and Dhillon were earlier summoned by the federal agency on June 2 and 3, respectively, when Arora was quizzed for nearly seven hours, while Dhillon was questioned for over nine hours.
Raman Arora and Kiki Dhillon appeared before the Enforcement Directorate on June 2 and June 3, respectively, in separate money‑laundering investigations. Arora, who had been summoned on June 2, spent nearly seven hours in the agency’s questioning room, according to the record. Dhillon followed on June 3, where he remained before the ED for more than nine hours, the agency said. The Enforcement Directorate, India’s principal financial investigative body, routinely issues summons to individuals suspected of involvement in money‑laundering schemes. Its officers conduct extended questioning sessions to examine the flow of funds and to verify the veracity of statements made by the persons concerned. The two cases involving Arora and Dhillon are being handled independently, reflecting the agency’s practice of treating each alleged transaction set as a separate inquiry. Both men were earlier served summonses by the federal agency on the dates mentioned, marking the start of the formal questioning phases in their respective probes. The ED issues a summons when it deems that a person may have relevant information or documents. The notice specifies the date, time, and location, and non‑compliance can attract legal consequences. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the ED has powers to search premises, attach assets, and detain individuals for questioning. The agency’s summons are part of that broader statutory framework. The two cases are being examined independently, though the ED has not publicly linked them, indicating that each inquiry follows its own evidentiary trail. The developments have drawn local attention, as money‑laundering cases can influence the perception of business integrity in the region. The summonses were issued after the ED identified patterns in financial transactions that required further scrutiny. The agency typically follows a sequence of notice, appearance, and detailed examination, which can span several days for complex cases. Section 12 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act empowers the ED to compel individuals to appear for questioning, and failure to appear can result in a warrant. While the exact details of the alleged schemes have not been disclosed, the ED’s focus on money‑laundering suggests a concern over the movement of unaccounted cash and the potential layering of illicit funds. The Chandigarh region has seen a series of ED actions in recent years, reflecting a national trend where the agency targets high‑value financial offences across various states. Summonses are served in writing, and the individual must appear on the specified date; the agency may extend the questioning period if additional information emerges. The appearances of Arora and Dhillon therefore underscore the ED’s continued focus on financial crime within the Chandigarh area.
Source: Hindustan Times
