Madu Koda scam: Chaudhary to continue as probing officer

RANCHI - The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday announced that Income Tax (IT) Director (Investigation) Ujjwal Chaudhary, who is investigating the Madhu Koda scam, would continue to be the probing officer.

The court had earlier on March 16 extended the stay on Chaudhary’s transfer till March 30.

The High Court, on February 23, had stayed Chaudhary’s transfer after Durga Oraon filed an interlocutory application in the disproportionate asset (DA) case and had asked the IT department to file an affidavit as why the transfer was made.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), on February 19, had transferred Chaudhary from the post of director Income Tax (investigation) wing to the post of commissioner Income Tax (Central) an assessment wing of the department.

In another DA case involving ex-ministers including Koda, the bench had earlier asked the state government as why the CBI enquiry should not be ordered for its investigation.

Appearing for petitioner counsel Reetu Kumar argued that since the investigation by I-T and Enforcement Directorate (ED) has found huge investments made by the respondents in foreign countries, the investigation should be handed over to the CBI.

State advocate general RS Majumdar contended the arguments that there is no need for CBI inquiry as investigation is being carried out by the vigilance and other agencies.

The court had also dismissed an interlocutory application filed by the prime accused Binod Sinha in which he has sought relief from any coercive action by the investigating agencies. The bench had then said that court could not interfere in the investigation of the case.

Madhu Koda is involved in the Rs 4000 crore money laundering scam. (ANI)