ED opposes Gautam Khaitan\'s bail plea in money laundering case\, says he may tamper with evidence

ED opposes Gautam Khaitan's bail plea in money laundering case, says he may tamper with evidence

Press Trust of India  |  New Delhi 

The on Tuesday opposed the application of Gautam Khaitan, an accused in the chopper scam, in a separate black money and case, saying he may "hide or destroy the evidence" if allowed

The agency submitted certain documents before Arvind Kumar, in a sealed cover, purportedly some call record details, and said that witnesses in the case were being threatened and that freedom of Khaitan would jeopardize the probe.

ED's special public prosecutors D P Singh and N K told the court that the investigation was at a crucial juncture and the was not warranted.

"Gupta will hide or destroy the evidence. Probe is at a crucial stage. This person is a habitual offender. He is already trying to tamper with evidence. Witnesses are being threatened," ED said.

The agency's told the court that the probe was incomplete and evidence was yet to come from various countries.

ED's submissions were opposed by senior Sidharth Luthra and advocate Pramod

Dubey told the court that the investigation was complete as the charge sheet was already filed by the agency.

"All evidence is already in the court custody. There is no likelihood that any tempering will take place," he said.

He also told the court that the accused was ready to abide by any condition imposed on him.

The court reserved its order on the bail application for April 12.

The fresh criminal case under the Prevention of Act (PMLA) was filed by ED against Khaitan on the basis of a case lodged by the against him under the provisions of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015.

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First Published: Tue, April 09 2019. 19:16 IST