Coalgate: ED issues first assets attachment order for two firms

NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday initiated action in the coal block allocation scam by attaching assets to the tune of ` 24.50 crore of two separate companies, owned by Congress MP Vijay Darda and Nagpur-based industrialist Manoj Jayaswal. The assets have been attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

According to a ED press release, assets of Asera Banka Power Private Limited, owned by Congress Rajya Sabha member Vijay Darda and son Devendra Darda have been attached as one of other accused, Manoj Jayaswal, had allegedly paid the company an amount of ` 24.6 crore for exercising personal influence.

The CBI has already filed a

THE AGENCY ALLEGED THAT THE ALLOTMENT WAS DONE IN VIOLATION OF COAL BLOCK ALLOCATION NORMS

chargesheet in the case that pertains to allotment of Bander coal block to AMR Iron and Steel.

The agency chargesheeted Vijay Darda, Devendra Darda, Manoj Jayaswal and his company AMR Iron and Steel Pvt Ltd in the case and alleged that the allotment was done in violation of coal block allocation norms.

The ED said: “The assets attached under section 5 (1) of the PMLA are shares of JAS Infrastructure and Power Limited (a group company of Manoj Jayaswal) and fixed deposits worth ` 33.78 lakh held by Asera Banka Power Private Limited.”