Mumbai:
Ahead of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar appearance before the Enforcement Directorate on Friday in a bank scam case, Mumbai Police has imposed section for tomorrow outside the office. “Section 144 imposed for tomorrow at Mumbai's Ballad Estate where the Enforcement Directorate office is located,” Mumbai Police PRO was quoted as saying by ANI.
The ED is expected to disallow entry to the NCP chief in its office to "submit information" related to the alleged Rs 25,000-crore scam.
ED officials, however, say deciding to question any person or accused in a case is the prerogative of the "investigating officer" and such a decision is taken when there are reasons to do so.
Pawar has not been summoned yet, they said, adding the Maratha strongman will be called for questioning and recording of the statement "whenever it is required".
Pawar has said that he will visit the ED office on Friday and make himself available to the agency for their investigation in connection with the Maharashtra State Cooperative (MSC) Bank scam, in which he has been named. However, he asked party men not to gather near the central agency's office here and ensure people are not inconvenienced.
With the ED expected to not allow Pawar entry into its office on Friday, NCP chief spokesperson Nawab Malik said the party patriarch will still persist with his decision to visit the agency's premises in South Mumbai.
"As mentioned during my press conference yesterday, I will be visiting the Mumbai ED office at Ballard Estate tomorrow, Friday 27 September, at 14.00 hrs. @MumbaiPolice @NCPspeaks," Pawar tweeted.
"I appeal to all my NCP cadre and supporters not to gather near the ED office premises. Keeping our tradition to honour the constitution and respect for institutions, I request your co-operation to the police and other government agencies," he added.
