Sand mining case: Madras HC stays ED’s summons to five district collectors in Tamil Nadu

The summons that the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) had sent to five District Collectors in Tamil Nadu on November 17 in connection with the alleged money laundering case involving sand mining was stayed by the Madras High Court on Tuesday.

DMK leader further stated Enforcement Directorate should have informed the state government before initiating any action in the sand mining case.
“If at all ED wanted to summon these Collectors, they should have asked for information under Section 54 – they cannot treat them as accused persons or witnesses,” he said.
Stating that the actions by the ED were against the federalism principles, the DMK leader said,” If it came across irregularities happening, ED should have informed the State Government under Sec 66 of the PMLA. Rather, the ED is investigating by itself. Finding truth in our arguments the Court stayed the summons issued.”

The court has given the ED permission to look into the matter more. Ten district collectors were previously called by the central agency as part of its investigation into the purported irregularities in the Tamil Nadu sand mining case. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the central agency is looking into “illegal” sand mining. It has told the court that it has reliable scientific evidence.