Mallya tried to frustrate ED's attachment proceedings by disposing properties

New Delhi, June 14: The Enforcement Directorate which is probing the sale of two properties by Vijay Mallya has learnt that the bigger intent was to frustrate the attachment proceedings.

The ED which is looking into the sale of two properties one in Coorg and another in a near by place is making all attempts to ensure that the money does not reach Mallya and in this regard the agency had approached a court to declare him as a proclaimed offender too.

As the ED was attaching Mallya's properties, it came to light that he had quietly disposed off two properties. The ED which got wind of this had approached the court and got him declared a proclaimed offender.

We are still investigating this matter. However the more we look at it, it appears as though the sale was carried out to frustrate the ED's attachment proceedings, an officer with the agency informed.

Frustrating proceedings:

The ED feels that Mallya's intention was only to frustrate the proceedings rather than trying to dispose it off for money. However if there was a deal made, then we will ensure that a monetary transaction does not take place. He is being investigated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The ED official says that such acts only go on to make their case stronger. Despite issuing summons to him when he was in India, he refused to appear before us. His hands are unclean the officer said while adding that instead of sorting out the matter, he is trying to further complicate it.

The official said that this act by Mallya of selling off the properties despite knowing it was under watch will be part of the case now. It only makes our case stronger, the officer also noted.

Meanwhile the ED is building up the case and the details would now be part of the process of having Mallya extradited. The United Kingdom had turned down India's request of deporting him and suggested that the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty be used. Under this a person can be brought down to India for investigation or even testify as a witness and this procedure is considered to be faster.

OneIndia News