Coal ‘scam’: TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee claims ED asked him appear on day INDIA panel is to hold first meet
Sep 10, 2023
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 10 : Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday claimed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has served him a fresh notice, asking him to appear before them on September 13 in connection with the alleged multi-crore coal pilferage scam related to Eastern Coalfields Ltd mines in the Kunustoria and Kajora areas of Asansol district.
Banerjee, however, denied any involvement in the matter.
The TMC leader claimed further that the central agency deliberately asked him to appear on the same day the coordination committee of Opposition bloc INDIA, of which he is a member, is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting in the national capital.
The INDIA Coordination Committee was formed during the third meeting of the Opposition bloc over two days, on August 31 and September 1.
In a veiled dig at the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the TMC leader said, "One can't help but marvel at the timidity of the person with a 56-inch chest."
"FIRST meet of INDIA’s coordination comm is on 13th Sept in Delhi, where I'm a member. But, @dir_edconveniently served me a notice just now to appear before them on the VERY SAME DAY! One can't help but marvel at the TIMIDITY & VACUOSNESS of the 56-inch chest model. #FearofINDIA," Abhishek Banerjee posted on the micro-blogging site X, previously known as Twitter.
The ED notice was sent two weeks ago after the TMC leader said his surname is neither “(Nirav) Modi” nor “(Vijay) Mallya” and he would not make an escape in the face of any pressure brought to bear on him by central agencies.
In August, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo, Mamata Banerjee, claimed that a conspiracy was afoot against her nephew.
She claimed that he would be arrested by the central agencies before the Lok Sabha election next year.
The ED lodged a case under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act based on November 2020. The FIR registered by the CBI alleged a multi-crore coal pilferage scam related to Eastern Coalfields Ltd mines in Kunustoria and Kajora areas of Asansol.
The Supreme Court had said Abhishek Banerjee and his wife, Rujira Banerjee, have to inform the ED before travelling abroad and seek necessary orders.
