SC seeks status of probe against UP MLC

The Supreme Court today asked the Centre to apprise it about the current status of alleged probe against an Uttar Pradesh MLC, who is an accused in money laundering and criminal cases.
A bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice R Banumathi asked Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh to ascertain the factual aspects of the probe against Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Mohammad Iqbal by December 14.
Senior advocate Harin Raval, appearing for Ranveer Singh, who has sought a court-monitored probe against Iqbal, alleged that the MLC is a frequent flyer to offshore destinations in private jets and has amassed disproportionate wealth.

He further alleged that Enforcement Directorate, which had issued a notice to Iqbal on the charge of money laundering, later "surreptitiously" withdrew the same.
"Mohd. Iqbal, directly or indirectly through his family members, relatives and employees, owns shares in over 111 companies and that he also owns huge properties across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and several countries where he has close financial links," Singh said in his plea.
He said that he had also written to the Union government seeking an investigation into alleged disproportionate assets of Iqbal but to no avail.