Enforcement Directorate summons ex-Jharkhand CM Koda, aides

New Delhi, Nov.4: The Enforcement Directorate has summoned former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda and seven of his aides in connection with alleged Hawala transactions.

Koda and his aides have been directed to present themselves before the directorate on November 9, 10,11.

An Enforcement Directorate team from Delhi had arrived in Ranchi to obtain documents on the alleged Hawala transactions carried out by Koda and his associates. It intended to obtain material evidence and documents seized by the Income Tax department and source information from the records of the tax searches against Koda and others.

After witnessing nationwide raids for three days to unearth the assets of the former Jharkhand chief minister and his associates, Koda on Tuesday complained of a pain in his abdomen, giddiness, nausea, and vomiting. He was admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Apollo Hospital in Ranchi.

Koda had undergone a surgery at the same hospital for a kidney stone on Oct.22.

It is being speculated that with the Koda being hospitalized, he might not be approached for questioning by the Income Tax department.

Recently, during interrogation Koda had admitted to have known Vinon Sinha and Sanjay Choudhary, but said there was no financial deal between them.

On Tuesday, Vinod told TV channels that he had not absconded.

The IT department has set November 6 as the deadline for six of Koda's alleged aides to appear before it to explain certain transactions and events. They have been told that if they fail to appear, they will be liable for legal action.

--ANI