Shiv Sena lawmaker Sarnaik appears before ED

The investigation is linked to a probe against the Tops Group security service provider in connection with alleged financial irregularities in providing security staff for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) projects.

Mumbai: Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik on Thursday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) here in connection with a money-laundering probe, officials said.

Sarnaik, 56, who represents the Ovala-Maijwada constituency in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly arrived around 11 AM at the central probe agency's office in Ballard Estate area.

The investigation is linked to a probe against the Tops Group security service provider company, its promoters and others in connection with alleged financial irregularities in providing security guards of the company for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) projects.

Also read: ED officials detains Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik's son Vihang Sarnaik

The ED has so far arrested Tops Grup Managing Director M Shashidharan and Amit Chandole, an alleged associate of Sarnaik, in connection with the case.

Sarnaik has obtained an interim relief from the Supreme Court that has directed that no coercive action should be taken against the lawmaker by the probe agency under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

(PTI)