I am a victim of political conspiracy: Hasan Ali

Mumbai, Mar 8: Hasan Ali, who is alleged to have stashed away over eight billion dollars in Swiss banks, today (Mar 8) said that he is a victim of a political conspiracy.

After visiting hospital for a medical examination, Ali said: " I am a victim of a political conspiracy...I am innocent."

Ali was arrested late night by the Enforcement Directorate in Mumbai under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. He will be produced in a court on Tuesday, Mar 8. Ali, who was detained in Pune was brought to Mumbai at 6 p.m, was grilled by the ED for nearly six hours before they put him under arrest around midnight.

He has been summoned by the ED to appear in person for investigations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on Mar 10. The Income Tax Tribunal had on Mar 4 issued a showcause notice to Hasan Ali Khan.

The Supreme Court had come down heavily on the Centre at an hearing in the case last week for failing to crack the whip on black money hoarders and ordered forthwith reinstatement of three key ED officials allegedly transferred midway into the probe in a case of foreign exchange law violation by Ali.

A bench of Justices B Sudershan Reddy and SS Nijjar had also indicated that if the government fails to act, it would be compelled to appoint a special officer for supervising the probe against the offenders.

The court also wanted to know what prevented the government from subjecting Ali and other alleged black money launderers to custodial interrogation.

While hearing a petition filed by noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani and some former bureaucrats, on the issue of black money stashed abroad by Indians and its repatriation, on Feb 10, the apex court had asked the government to ensure that Khan does not leave the country.

ANI