ED likely to arrest Koda under stringent PMLA

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda, who is currently in judicial custody till January 19 in connection with a disproportionate assets case, is likely to be arrested soon by the Enforcement Directorate under Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda, who is currently in judicial custody till January 19 in connection with a disproportionate assets case, is likely to be arrested soon by the Enforcement Directorate under Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

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Official sources said the Directorate, which already has a court permission to question Koda in the Birsa Munda Central Jail, Ranchi, have prepared a series of questions based on the investigations done in last three months.

The ED is waiting for Koda to come back to the jail from a hospital in Ranchi, where he is admitted since December 28 after he complained of stomachache.

They said once a statement is taken, he is likely to be arrested in connection with the alleged multi-crore illegal investment and hawala network of his and his associates.

If by any chance, ED is not able to question Koda, who was arrested by the Jharkhand vigilance department on November 30 in a disproportionate assets case, the Directorate might arrest him on January 19, when the former CM's judicial custody comes to an end.

"He has been arrested for a disproportionate asset case. The ED has registered a case under PMLA and hence he could be arrested soon," an official said.

Meanwhile, the ED is also looking at Koda's investment in Pune where he is alleged to have pumped his money into an aviation firm.

A resident of Pune who is said to be close to Koda is also under the scanner, sources said.