AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel names Sonia Gandhi, ED tells court
Christian Michel, the alleged middleman of the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, has named UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, the Enforcement Directorate told Patiala House Court on Saturday. However, the agency did not give the reference in which Michel mentioned Sonia Gandhi's name. Michel was extradited from Dubai earlier this month and is being investigated for his role in the scam. Here's more.
Further, ED told the court Michel identified how HAL was removed from the deal and TATA was brought into the picture instead. ED has also requested the court to ban the access of Michel's lawyer. The body alleged Michel was being tortured. Michel was handed over a chit by his lawyer when he came to visit him, the ED told the court.
The ED also told the court that Michel has spoken about the 'son of the Italian lady' who could become the Prime Minister of the country. Michel was obviously referring to Congress President Rahul Gandhi.
Michel’s lawyer Aljo K Joseph to court: We don’t dispute that he (Christian Michel) had handed us the papers, but it’s the fault of the ED that they allowed it to happen. #AgustaWestland https://t.co/HcjjTq0lba
— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018
The claims of ED are sure to start a political turmoil in the country. After the proceedings of the court got attention, Congress leader RPN Singh asked why was the BJP trying to pressurize the government agencies to 'name one family'. "BJP scriptwriters are working over time," he said and alleged Michel was being intimidated. The court sent Michel to seven-day ED remand.
