Social activist Anna Hazare has expressed surprise over NCP president Shar Pawar's naming cropping up in multi-crore Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank scam. Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a money laundering case against Pawar, his nephew Ajit Pawar - a former deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and ors in connection with scam. An Enforcement Case Information Report, equivalent to a police FIR, has been registered by central ncy under Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

RE: Rahul Gandhi Questions Timing As ED Names Shar Pawar In Bank Scam

Anna Hazare on Pawar's name in MSCB Scam

case is based on a Mumbai Police FIR which h named former chairmen of bank, Ajit Pawar, and 70 erstwhile functionaries of cooperative lender.

"When this case came to me, Shar Pawar's name was t re anywhere. How did his name crop up, who mentioned his name, all se things only y kw," said Hazare on Thursday when asked about ED case and Maratha strongman's alleged links to scam.

RE: Shar Pawar Goes To ED Office, Section 144 In Parts Of South Mumbai

anti-corruption cruser, a minal Pawar critic, expressed hope truth will come out after ED carries out a detailed investigation in scam.

" ED will come to kw how his name figured in case," said Hazare, a veteran of many anti-corruption agitations.

Pawar has denied any wrongdoing and said he was t associated with bank in any capacity and questioned timing of registration of case which comes just weeks ahe of October 21 Assembly polls in Maharashtra. former Union Minister has asserted he would t bow before 'throne' of Delhi, apparently referring to BJP-led government at Centre. NCP has termed ED case as politically motivated.

Cooperative Bank Scam: ED May t Allow Shar Pawar In Mumbai Office

NCP supremo in MSCB Scam

Ahe of Maharashtra Assembly polls in October, ED has filed a case against  NCP chief Shar Pawar, his nephew Ajit Pawar and ors in  Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank (MSCB) scam case.  accused allegedly were complicit in causing losses worth Rs 1,000 crore to MSCB between 2007 and 2011. 

Shar Pawar's reaction

Shar Pawar has asserted that he is t surprised. He claimed that move has been taken after seeing response of people during his rallies. Speaking to reporters, Pawar said: "I thank probe ncies because y have involved my name in a case relating to such a bank of which I am t even a member of, I was t involved in its decision-making. If y have filed a case against me too, I welcome it. I would have been surprised h such action t been taken against me after kind of response I receive during my visits to various districts of state," Shar Pawar ded.  Pawar also confirmed his visit to ED office in a tweet:

RE: Shar Pawar Tweets Confirming His Visit To ED Office On Friday

(With PTI Inputs)