AgustaWestland Case: Enforcement Directorate moves Non-Bailable Warrant plea in court against Ratul Puri after he goes missing

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has moved a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) application in Rouse Avenue Court against businessman Ratul Puri because he is untraceable. He had skipped questioning on Tuesday. His anticipatory bail was rejected by a CBI special court. Puri's arrest is imminent and the Enforcement Directorate will make its move soon

Puri had been questioned by the ED in the money-laundering case related to AugustaWestland case. He is the nephew of Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath.

CBI Special Court rejects his anticipatory bail plea

The CBI Special Court judge had asked to supply an action taken report (ATR) to Puri and dismissed his bail application. The Enforcement Directorate had said in court that he had run away amid his questioning. Judge Arvind Kumar also rejected Puri's application seeking a copy of the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and statement under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Considering the "evidence collected so far by ED and considering the serious nature of allegations, the gravity of the offence and the alleged conduct of the accused" the court did not find it fit to grant anticipatory bail to Puri.

READ | AgustaWestland Case: ED Fears A Witness Has Been Killed, Makes Disclosure While Arguing Against Ratul Puri's Bail

ED probe in Puri's alleged role in AgustaWestland case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is probing Puri's alleged role in the multi-crore scam and has been seeking the businessman's custody to further investigate the matter. During the course of hearing last week, Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh, representing the ED, had told the court that Puri, who is the nephew of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, is very influential and might flee the country.

The case pertains to alleged irregularities in purchase of 12 VVIP choppers from Italy-based Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland.

READ | AgustaWestland Case: Ratul Puri's Bail Plea Dismissed In Money Laundering Case, To Be Arrested Soon