ED records statement of Rahul Gandhi’s aide in the case against Saket Gokhale

The money laundering case against Saket Gokhale stems from a Gujarat Police FIR

The ED alleged that cash deposits were recieved by Saket Gokhale when he was a member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The Enforcement Directorate has recorded the statement of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s aide Alankar Sawai in connection with the money laundering case against Trinamool Congress spokesperson Saket Gokhale, whose crowd-funding campaigns have been alleged to have irregularities.

Mr. Sawai’s statement was recorded at the agency’s Ahmedabad office for three consecutive days, following Mr. Gokhale’s purported disclosure that ₹23.54 lakh in cash was deposited to his bank account by the Congress member for social media work and other consultancy.

The agency has alleged that on being asked about any written agreement with Mr. Sawai in that regard, Mr. Gokhale said it was only a verbal agreement.

Last month, the ED had taken Mr. Gokhale into custody for questioning. The money laundering investigation is based on a case registered by the Cyber Crime police station in Ahmedabad City against Mr. Gokhale and others. He has denied all the allegations.

The State police had arrested him on December 29 last year, after which he was kept in Sabarmati Jail under judicial custody.

In the police case, it has been alleged that during 2019-21, Mr. Gokhale being an RTI activist and social worker had sought public assistance in raising funds for carrying out his activities. The funds so raised were diverted for personal use, as alleged.