Big relief for Pratap Sarnaik, SC orders ED not to take action

The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted a big relief to Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik. The leader is facing an inquiry by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Rs 175 crore money laundering case registered against Tops Grup promoters. 

The apex court in it's order mentioned that no coercive steps should be taken against the petitioners. Sarnaik, his son Vihang Sarnaik and brother in law Yogesh Chandegala had approached SC and filed a writ petition. The ED had raided the house of Pratap Saranaik and his son Vihang Saranaik on November 24 in connection with the Tops Grup promoters in connection with the money laundering case. 

They requested to be interrogated in presence of their lawyers and added that the interrogation session should be recorded on both video and audio mediums.

It may be noted that five summons were issued to Vihang Sarnaik to appear before agency while three summons were issued to Pratap Sarnaik to appear before the agency. The relief to the Shiv Sena MLA comes just a day before Sarnaik was asked to appear before ED on Thursday.

ED officials said they have not received any communication from Sarnaik regarding the order from the top court yet and have no idea about the writ petition filed by Sarnaik.

The order by SC clearly stated that no coercive steps should be taken against the three petitioners.