“The lieutenant governor is willing to make a statement to the ED and the home secretary is working out modalities,” Home Minister P Chidambaram said.
Under scanner of the ED for his alleged links with Hasan Ali Khan, Puducherry Lieutenant Governor has admitted recommending expeditious issuance of passport to the alleged tax evader but claimed he did not know him.
The ED is understood to have sent summons to Singh after his name figured during the questioning of Bihar Congress leader Amlendu Pandey.
In a letter to Chidambaram, Singh admitted that he had written to the Ministry of External Affairs in 1997 recommending renewal of the passport Chandrika Tapuriah—wife of Kashinath Tapuriah.
The Home Ministry is in touch with the Prime Minister’s Office to work out ways to allow the ED to question the Lieutenant governor, who is an appointee of the President of India and hence due permission may be required for his questioning.
Published 18 April 2011, 18:12 IST