DRI ties Gehlot's brother to ‘smuggling racket’

NEW DELHI: An investigation report of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and customs authorities into the illegal export of potassium chloride has accused Agrasain Gehlot, the elder brother of Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, of receiving cash and ‘knowingly” becoming part of a “smuggling syndicate”.
A prosecution complaint filed by customs authorities in the case earlier this month and two showcause notices issued to Agrasain Gehlot in 2013 alleged that he was aware of the “smuggling syndicate”, and when confronted with documentary evidence by investigating officers he “accepted the fact of receiving payments in cash”. Customs had imposed Rs 61 crore penalty on him in 2013 for the alleged fraud.
The ED, which has registered a money laundering case based on the customs prosecution complaint (chargesheet), is relying on DRI’s findings in the alleged bogus dealings of Agrasain Gehlot and his associates. The agency has obtained details of cash transactions in the deal where money was transferred through hawala channels.
Agrasain Gehlot refused to comment on the accusations made in the DRI report when contacted by TOI. The report pointed to his role in the fraudulent export of potash as his firm Anupam Krishi was the origin of the exports made by Saraf Impex Pvt Ltd. The total illegal exports of MoP (Muriate of Potash) was around 30,000 tonnes worth Rs 130 crore. He is accused of receiving a huge commission, according to the showcause notices.
A senior probe officer said Agrasain acted as agent, dealer and custodian of the subsidised MOP meant for distribution to farmers. However, the “syndicate” diverted the fertiliser to illegal exports by creating forged sales documents showing sale to farmers.