ED chargesheet against Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal and wife Anita in money laundering case

A special court in Mumbai has taken cognizance of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) chargesheet against Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal and his wife Anita in a money laundering case linked to an alleged fraud of Rs 538 crore at Canara Bank. The court also asked the Goyals to remain present before it on November 9.

ED's chargesheet

Besides the Goyals, the ED has named four companies --Jet Airways India Ltd JIL, Jetair Pvt Ltd, Jet Enterprises Pvt Ltd and Jet Airways LLC, Dubai -- as accused in the case. The chargesheet alleges that the Goyals and the companies were involved in a conspiracy to launder money through various shell companies.

Court's observations

The court, in its order, noted that there is sufficient material at this stage to prima facie show the involvement of Naresh Goyal and his wife Anita in the money laundering case. The court also noted that the copies of documents attached with the prosecution complaint chargesheet "prima facie indicate there is huge diversion and siphoning off funds" by the accused.

Money laundering

The money laundering case stems from an FIR of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Jet Airways, Goyal, his wife Anita and some former executives of the now grounded private airline in connection with an alleged Rs 538-crore fraud at state-run Canara Bank.

Next hearing

The court has issued summons to the accused, directing them to remain present before it on November 9. The court will then decide on the next course of action in the case.

The charges against the Goyals and the companies are serious and if proven, they could face severe penalties. The case is a reminder that money laundering is a serious crime and that the ED is committed to investigating and prosecuting such cases.