Why not arresting Virbhadra Singh in money laundering case: HC asks ED

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) why it was not arresting former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh in connection with a multi-crore money laundering case, when the agency was opposing bail granted to a businessman in the matter.

Questioning the "selective approach" of the agency in arresting those involved in the case, Justice R K Gauba asked the ED whether it will withdraw its plea challenging bail granted to Vakamulla Chandrasekhar, the director/ promoter of Tarini Group of Companies, or should the court pass an order.

In the first half of the day, the court asked ED's lawyers to take instructions from the agency on the issue of arresting the senior Congress leader.

Later, agency's counsel Amit Mahajan and Nitesh Rana told the court that the officer investigating the matter was not senior enough to "take a call" on the issue of arresting Singh at the moment and sought more time to take a decision.

The lawyers also sought more time to take instruction from ED on whether to press for their plea challenging Chandrasekhar's bail or withdraw it.

The judge said if ED was not withdrawing the plea, then the court will dismiss it.

Thereafter, the lawyers told the court that the ED has decided to withdraw the petition, and it was dismissed as withdrawn.

Chandrasekhar was granted bail by a trial court in March 9, noting that no purpose would be served by keeping him in further custody.

The ED had earlier argued that it was a case of economic offence which has to be kept at a higher pedestal and the allegation against the accused were of serious nature.