Former JK CM Farooq Abdullah summoned by ED in money laundering case

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate to appear before them in Delhi on May 31 for an investigation on the matter related to money laundering. The case is regarding Abdullah’s involvement in matter of financial irregularities in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).

The agency had earlier issued a provisional attachment order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the attached properties were estimated to be worth more than INR 11 crore and included three houses in Gupkar Road in Srinagar, Katipora Tehsil in Tanmarg and Bhatindi in Sunjwan village of Jammu.

ED had earlier made allegations that “Abdullah misused his position as JKCA president and made appointments in the sports body so Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sponsored funds could be laundered.” The 84-year-old National Conference patron served as the JKCA president from the period of 2001 to 2012 and he challenged the allegations from ED in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

ED summoning JKNC President Farooq Abdullah is nothing new: National Conference

An ED official had earlier noted about Abdullah not responding to the previous summons and confirmed that as a reason for that he has been further summoned. “Abdullah had failed to respond to an earlier summons. As a result, he has been summoned for further interrogation,” an ED official said as quoted by NewsX.com.

On the other hand, the National Conference, in a tweet on Friday, confirmed that Abdullah has been called up to appear by the ED. The statement added that Abdullah has kept his innocence in the matter and noted his cooperation with the investigators so far.

“The ED summoning JKNC President Dr Farooq Abdullah is nothing new; many opposition parties in India do this. He has maintained his innocence in the matter and has cooperated with investigators, and he will do so again in this instance,” the National Conference confirmed on Twitter.