Anil Ambani summoned by ED in Yes Bank case
Central probe agency Enforcement Directorate has issued a fresh summon to Reliance Group chief Anil Ambani in connection with an alleged money laundering case involving the crisis-hit Yes Bank, officials have said.
Anil Ambani, who was told to appear before the probe agency's officials in Mumbai today, requested for more time citing health reasons. Accepting his request, the Enforcement Directorate has told him to appear before its officials on Thursday at 11 am. He will be questioned in connection with loans given by Yes Bank, on which the Reserve Bank of India imposed a moratorium and capped withdrawal by users at Rs 50,000 a month after the bank's financial health severely deteriorated.
Other Reliance Group officials will also be called in for questioning this week, sources said.
Yes Bank customers have been facing a tough time in accessing internet banking, using payment via UPI and withdrawing from ATMs after the RBI's sudden announcement to curb withdrawals led to a scramble to take out money. Current account holders have complained of severe problems to service their debts and pay salaries. Many complained they were unable to pay wages to workers during the spring festival of Holi.
"Reliance Group states it has NIL direct or indirect exposure to Rana Kapoor, Former CEO of YES Bank, or his wife or daughters, or any entities controlled by
Rana Kapoor or his family. Reliance Group says its entire exposure to Yes Bank is fully secured and transacted in the ordinary course of business," Mr Ambani's firm said in a statement last week.
As part of the RBIbacked rescue plan for the troubled private sector lender, State Bank of India (SBI) will acquire up to 49 per cent stake in Yes Bank, and will be required to maintain a minimum holding of 26 per cent in Yes Bank for three years.
All the existing employees of Yes Bank will be retained as part of the deal. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a fresh case against crisis-hit Yes Bank's founder Rana Kapoor and his wife Bindu Kapoor in connection with the purchase of a property in a prime location in Delhi.