SC seeks details of Ali's black money

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Central government to broaden its ongoing probe against Pune stud farm owner Hasan Ali Khan by incorporating the angle of  “national security” and trace the source of black money.

“We would like to know what progress you made in the investigation on the aspect of national security. What is the source of (black) money,” a Bench of Justices comprising B Sudhershan Reddy and S S Nijjar wondered, after going through a status report filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

 The court favoured a comprehensive probe in the matter with officers from Intelligence Bureau (IB), RAW, Central Bureau of Investigation and  ED being drawn in a team for the purpose.

After perusing the report filed in a sealed cover, the judges said, “it is not easy to be calm and quite after seeing the status report.”

 “Something more has to be done to make it comprehensive,” Justice Reddy said.  Appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, Solicitor General Gopal Subramaniam informed the court that the investigating agency had made “substantial breakthrough” in the case with the arrest of  Khan and his alleged aide Kolkata-based businessman Kashinath Tapuriah.

He also apprised the court about the apprehension of threats being faced by the accused Khan and his family members, besides the similar danger to the investigating officers.
 The Bench also wanted the government to tell as to why the names of persons facing probe for stashing black money in banks abroad are not disclosed.

“Tell us why you are claiming privileges. Why not they  be disclosed? Let the people of the country know what is happening. Now there is no privilege on one name (Hasan Ali Khan),” Justice Reddy said.

Subramaniam, on his part, sought another chance from the Bench to file a fresh status report before committing as to whether Special Investigation Team (SIT) could be constituted to probe into the matter.