The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has given the go-ahead for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to interrogate Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Iqbal Singh on his alleged links with suspected money launderer Hasan Ali Khan.
The PMO said that the governors enjoy immunity from being questioned by agencies only in relation to the discharge of their constitutional duties and not in matters like this. “There is no need to take permission in this case,” said the PMO in its response to the ED.
The ED is believed to have sent summons to Mr. Singh after Bihar Congress leader Amalendu Pandey had revealed his name in interrogation. Iqbal Singh is said to have recommended for speedy issuance of passport to the Hassan Ali Khan, the Pune based stud firm owner.
It is learnt that Singh has reportedly admitted to have recommend speedy issuance of passport to Ali but claimed he never knew him personally. “The LG is willing to make a statement on the issue to the Enforcement Directorate,” Home Minister P. Chidambaram said after Singh had called on him Monday evening.
