Pune-based stud farm owner Hasan Ali Khan, arrested by Enforcement Directorate for massive money laundering, has been produced in the Sessions Court in Mumbai on Wednesday after end of one-day custody. The court is currently hearing the case. On Tuesday, Khan was remanded to one-day Enforcement Directorate custody after Principle Judge M.L. Tahiliyani, expressed doubt whether the Sessions Court had the jurisdiction to hear the case. As soon as the proceedings began, Judge Tahiliyani raised the issue of jurisdiction, saying the matter should have been brought before a magistrate. However, Public prosecutor N Punde and Defence counsel I P Bagadia, had argued that Sessions court was empowered by the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to hear such cases. Following the difference, Judge Tahiliyani had adjourned the hearing till Wednesday. Meanwhile Khan had on Tuesday pleaded innocent before the court and said that he wanted to retract his confessions made before ED investigators on Monday. Khan was arrested under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act late on Monday night after extensive questioning. The officials of Enforcement Directorate had also conducted searches at his Pune’s residence and office premises. The Pune-based stud farm owner has allegedly amassed over 8 billion US dollars in the Zurich branch of UBS. He is also accused of concealing his income and tax evasion since 1999.
News On AIR | March 9, 2011 2:34 PM
Hasan Ali produced in Mumbai court