Enforcement Directorate’s Probe Deepens: Former J&K Minister Lal Singh Granted Five-Day Extension in Money Laundering Case

Jammu, 14-11-2023 : In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody of former Jammu and Kashmir minister Lal Singh has been extended by five days in connection with a money laundering case. The court, overseeing the proceedings, made this decision on Tuesday, marking the latest development in a case that has been unfolding since the arrest of Lal Singh on November 7.

Lal Singh, who currently serves as the chairman of the Dogra Swabhiman Sangathan Party (DSSP), was apprehended from a residence in the Chawadi area of Sainik Colony, following the dismissal of his anticipatory bail application by a special court. The arrest was part of an ongoing investigation by the Enforcement Directorate into allegations involving an educational trust associated with Singh’s wife and former legislator, Kanta Andotra.

Special public prosecutor Ashwani Khajuria provided insights into the recent proceedings, stating that Lal Singh was presented before the special court via video conference as his seven-day remand reached its expiration. Khajuria further elaborated on the court’s decision, quoting, “The investigation of the case is at an initial stage… accused is involved in a serious and non-bailable offence; he is remanded to ED custody for a period of five days only from November 14 to 18.”

The court not only extended the ED custody but also directed the investigative agency to present the accused through virtual mode on November 18. Additionally, the court urged the investigating officer to expedite the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges against Lal Singh.

Ashwani Khajuria revealed that the Enforcement Directorate has submitted a detailed objection in the court of the principal sessions judge, Jammu, regarding a post-arrest bail plea filed by Lal Singh. The money laundering case stems from a charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in October 2021, which alleged criminal connivance in the issuance of land between January 4 and January 7, 2011.

The charge sheet specifically pointed out the violation of the ceiling limit of 100 standard kanals imposed under Section 14 of the Jammu and Kashmir Agrarian Reforms Act, 1976. This alleged violation resulted in undue pecuniary advantage being granted to the trust associated with Lal Singh. The CBI charge sheet detailed that the trust acquired multiple pieces of land totaling about 329 kanals through three gift deeds executed on January 5 and January 7, 2011.