Probe
ED raids Shekhar Suman associate's premises in FEMA case; phone allegedly thrown from 13th floor
Mumbai/IBNS: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted searches at premises linked to businessman and film producer Dharmesh Sangani, an associate of actor-television host Shekhar Suman, in connection with allegations of undisclosed foreign assets, foreign bank accounts and violations related to export proceeds, according to media reports.
Searches Conducted at Kalanee Impex and Directors' Premises
The ED carried out raids at the premises of Kalanee Impex Ltd. and its directors — Dharmesh Sangani, his wife Ranjeeta Sangani, and Narendra Sangani.
Dharmesh Sangani is also a film producer and co-founder of the Shekhar Suman Film Academy, which is promoted by Shekhar Suman, who in his latest YouTube show Shekhar Tonite made several satirical remarks against the government and its policies.
According to The Times of India, the investigation is currently focused only on the Sangani family and their company.
ED Alleges Attempt to Destroy Evidence
The probe agency alleged that Dharmesh Sangani attempted to destroy evidence by throwing his mobile phone from the 13th floor of a building during the search operation.
The phone was later recovered.
The ED has filed a complaint with the Mumbai Police regarding the alleged attempt to destroy evidence.
Alleged Export Proceeds Violations
Explaining the allegations against Kalanee Impex Ltd., an ED officer was quoted by Hindustan Times as saying: "During the course of search proceedings, it was revealed that money which ought to have been received in India has not come to India despite lapse of substantial time.
Export proceeds from certain overseas buyers had not been realised and no extension of time had been obtained from the Authorised Dealer Bank. There were no documented recovery efforts."
Probe Finds Alleged Undisclosed Foreign Assets
Another ED official told Hindustan Times that investigators found export proceeds had allegedly been received from third-party entities instead of the consignee or buyer named in the export invoices or shipping bills.
The agency also claimed to have uncovered undisclosed foreign assets and foreign bank accounts during the searches.
Shekhar Suman Not Under Investigation
While Dharmesh Sangani is associated with Shekhar Suman through the Shekhar Suman Film Academy, media reports said the current investigation is confined to Sangani, his family members and Kalanee Impex Ltd.
There is no indication that Shekhar Suman is under investigation in the case.
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