SC seeks probe report on UP MLC from central agencies

The Supreme Court today granted three more months time to central investigative agencies SFIO, ED and CBDT and asked them to file status report on the probe carried out against an Uttar Pradesh MLC, who is accused in money laundering and criminal cases.
A bench headed by Justice T S Thakur also perused the report of Special Fraud Investigation Organisation (SFIO) about the probe carried out in various companies associated with Mohammad Iqbal.
Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh submitted the report of SFIO about the investigation carried by it into 111 companies.
Senior advocate P Chidambaram, appearing for the BSP legislator, said, he has nothing to do with the family businesses and referred to the report of Shaharanpur district magistrate and added he has been dragged to this court.

He said "I have shares in some of the companies but I am not a director in any of them."
The bench, also comprising justices U U Lalit and R Banumathi, told Chidambaram that during the investigation, it has been revealed that large number of companies have been set up on same address.

It said Iqbal has set up partnership firms and the funds are being transferred from partnership firm to the tune of Rs 1374 crore and the report suggests that he is the kingpin.
The ASG then referred to the reports of SFIO and Income Tax department.
Chidambaram then said he is not standing in the way of investigations.

The bench, then in the lighter vein remarked that Chidambaram's appearance in the case, shows it must be investigated.
"If somebody has nothing to do with the companies, why shall he engage counsel to pay money," the bench remarked as it granted three months time to the Centre to file further status report in the probe.
The bench listed the matter for further hearing in the second week of August.
Earlier, on February 8, the apex court in a sharp reaction had said "Both sides appear to be dubious," as it heard a PIL against Iqbal.