Bharat Bhushan Ashu to remain in ED custody till August 12

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, August 7

The court of Additional Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge, PMLA, Dharminder Paul Singla on Wednesday remanded former Congress minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu in the ED custody for five more days in connection with a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Ashu was arrested on August 1 after he appeared at the ED office upon being summoned for questioning. It was said that he did not cooperate with ED officials during interrogation. He was presented in the court on August 2 and was remanded in ED custody. Today, he was brought to the court and the ED sought seven-day extension of his remand. The court, however, extended the remand till August 12.

Ashu’s lawyers Mandeep Sachdev and Meher Sachdev argued with ED lawyer Ajay Pathania for over two hours. They said Ashu’s arrest was invalid and contrary to the provisions of Section 19 of the PMLA. They sought his release on bail, or otherwise.

The ED lawyer maintained that the case was at a crucial stage and more evidences were to be obtained. Hence, his remand should be extended by seven days. Hearing both sides, the court extended the remand for five days.