2 weeks ago
ED Books Deputy CM's Brother in Money-Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate has opened a money-laundering case against Inspector Vijay Choudhary.
He is the brother of Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary.
Investigators allege that Vijay Choudhary owned assets through other people, called benami assets.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau had already accused him of having more property than his known income could explain.
He is currently suspended from his job.
Surinder Choudhary said his brother had fought militancy and survived attacks.
He believes the action is unfair and amounts to selective targeting.
The deputy chief minister also criticised the BJP’s approach to Muslim voters and Hindu-Muslim politics.
The Enforcement Directorate booked Inspector Vijay Choudhary under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The case concerns allegations that Choudhary possessed several benami assets.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau had earlier registered an FIR alleging disproportionate assets.
Choudhary is currently suspended from police service.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary called the action selective targeting and cited his brother’s service against militancy.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate, Inspector Vijay Choudhary, and Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary.
- What
- The Enforcement Directorate booked Vijay Choudhary in a money-laundering case involving alleged benami assets.
- Where
- The deputy chief minister made his comments in Jammu after inspecting a government hospital.
- When
- The booking was reported on Friday; no specific date was provided.
- Why
- The Enforcement Directorate alleges that Vijay Choudhary possessed several benami assets, following an earlier disproportionate-assets FIR.
Deputy Chief Minister's Position
Enforcement Action
Characterization of the case
Deputy Chief Minister's Position
Surinder Choudhary called the action selective targeting and said his brother was being targeted despite having fought militancy and survived militant attacks.
Enforcement Action
The Enforcement Directorate booked Vijay Choudhary over allegations that he possessed several benami assets.
Earlier allegations
Deputy Chief Minister's Position
The deputy chief minister argued that his brother’s service should be recognised rather than treated as grounds for targeting.
Enforcement Action
The Anti-Corruption Bureau had previously filed an FIR alleging that Vijay Choudhary amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Political criticism
Deputy Chief Minister's Position
Surinder Choudhary criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party, saying it seeks Muslim votes during elections but later uses Hindu-Muslim politics.
Enforcement Action
The article reports the deputy chief minister's criticism but does not provide a response from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Key facts
- Accused
- Inspector Vijay Choudhary
- Investigating agency
- Enforcement Directorate
- Law involved
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act
- Allegation
- Possession of several benami assets
- Earlier case
- The Anti-Corruption Bureau registered an FIR alleging assets disproportionate to known income.
- Current status
- Vijay Choudhary is suspended.
- Deputy CM's response
- Surinder Choudhary described the action as selective targeting.
Quotes
Surinder Choudhary
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister
“My brother is someone who fought against militancy and has survived militant attacks. Instead of being rewarded for his service, he is being targeted. But one day, files will be opened, and those responsible will have to answer.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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