Virbhadra PMLA case: ED questions CM’s wife

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday questioned Virbhadra Singh's wife Pratibha in connection with an alleged money laundering case against her, the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and others.

The agency had earlier issued summons to her to appear before the Investigating Officer (IO) of the case today.

Official sources said the IO will record her statement under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). She had twice sought exemption from appearing before the agency citing personal reasons even as she moved the Delhi High Court seeking protection from arrest by the agency till next hearing of the said case on August 24.

ED had yesterday told the HC that it has no intention as of now to arrest Pratibha.

Sources had earlier said the questioning of the CM's wife was "essential" to thoroughly probe the case after some revelations in this regard were made by LIC agent Anand Chauhan, who was arrested by the agency last month in the said case.