The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made another significant arrest in a high-profile money laundering case. Ajay Parmar, the nephew of former special court judge Sudhir Parmar, has been taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This development is linked to an ongoing investigation into an alleged bribery case involving the former judicial officer. The arrest follows recent actions taken by the ED against other individuals associated with a Gurugram-based realty group. The case has attracted attention due to its connection to corruption within the judiciary.
Former Panchkula Special Judge Arrested by ED
The money laundering case originated from an FIR filed in April by the Haryana Police Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) against Sudhir Parmar, Ajay Parmar, and Roop Kumar Bansal, a director of the M3M group, along with others. The FIR alleged that Parmar showed favoritism towards the accused in criminal cases pending before his court. It also claimed instances of misconduct, abuse of position, and the acceptance of bribes. Following the registration of the ACB case, Sudhir Parmar was suspended by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Investigation and Arrests
The ED, armed with incriminating evidence, conducted searches on Ajay Parmar’s premises and subsequently arrested him under the PMLA. This move follows the recent arrests of Basant Bansal and Pankaj Bansal, directors of the M3M group, in connection with the same case. The ED has been meticulously collecting evidence, including bank statements and money trails, to support the allegations mentioned in the FIR. The arrests of the Bansal brothers and Ajay Parmar signify the agency’s determination to bring those involved in money laundering and corruption to justice.
Interplay of Cases
According to The Tribune, In addition to the money laundering case, the ED has been investigating another matter related to the IREO group and its owner, Lalit Goyal. The agency previously conducted raids against the M3M promoters and others in this case. During the investigation, the ED alleged that a substantial amount of money, running into hundreds of crores, was illicitly transferred through the M3M group. It is claimed that the M3M group received approximately Rs 400 crore from the IREO group through various shell companies.
Legal Proceedings and Implications
Basant Bansal and Pankaj Bansal, who had obtained interim protection from arrest until July 5 from the Delhi High Court in the IREO group case, were arrested by the ED in the money laundering case connected to the alleged bribery of the judge. This fresh arrest under the PMLA indicates the seriousness with which the ED is pursuing the matter. The investigation and subsequent legal proceedings will be crucial in determining the truth behind the allegations and holding those involved accountable.
