New Delhi: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister
Madhu Koda on Saturday denied charges of money laundering, diversion
of state funds and making illegal investments abroad and
termed the case against him as an attempt by his "political
opponents" to tarnish his image.
"I came to know about the charges through media reports.
I vehemently deny them. I do not have any investments in India
or abroad," Koda told reporters here.
The Enforcement Directorate has registered a case
against Koda for alleged money laundering, diversion of state
funds and making huge illegal investments abroad including
purchase of mines as far as in Liberia.
"There are no facts in the case...The complaint has been
made merely to demolish my image as a politician. I have made
a mark in politics despite being an Independent. My political
opponents want to prevent me from rising in politics," Koda
said.
The 38-year-old, who may face arrest also, is the first
chief minister and high-profile politician to have been booked
under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act along with eight
others including three of his cabinet colleagues.
Terming the ED case as a "political conspiracy hatched by
political opponents", Koda said he has not yet got any
official communication from the ED in this regard.
"I will explain it and cooperate with the ED. I have full
faith in the law of the country," he said.
According to the Enforcement Case Information Report
(equivalent to a FIR) before the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act court in Ranchi against Koda, he is alleged to
have purchased mines in Liberia worth USD 17 lakh (Rs 8.5
crore) besides making other 'benami' purchases in the name of
his close confidant Binod Sinha, once a tractor mechanic.
As per the ECIR, the properties in the name of Sinha
run into several hundred crores of rupees.
Asked about his association with Sinha, Koda said he
lived in his constituency.
"He is not my friend...He lives in my constituency. I
cannot answer questions on his behalf. Ask him about his
property," Koda, the first Independent MLA who became the
Chief Minister of Jharkhand, said.
To a query as to who was behind the "conspiracy" to
defame him, Koda said he would explain it in due course. Asked
whether he had enemies within the UPA, he said it will not be
"proper" for him to say anything on this.
Reminded that none of his former supporters like the RJD
and the JMM have spoken in his favour so far after the
registration of the case, Koda said he would fight it alone
even if no one supports him.
"I know I am correct. I have not done any wrong," he
said.
Asserting that the "false cases" has affected him
personally and also his supporters, Koda said he is supporting
the UPA and will continue to back it.
Asked whether there has been any increase in his property
after becoming a minister and then the Chief Minister, Koda
replied in the affirmative, saying the increase was because of
his salary.
"Yes, it has increased. It was due to salary. Everything
is there on record. I have given declaration regarding my
property. It is audited," he said.
To a query as to how will he prove his innocence to the
authorities, Koda said he had audited accounts of his income
and property.
"A vigilance inquiry is also on...I have given all
details to them. There is nothing to hide," he added.
Asked about similar charges against his former
ministerial colleagues, he said, "it will be proper if you ask
them".
On his plans for the forthcoming assembly elections in
Jharkhand, Koda said he will talk to the UPA partners
regarding this.
Asked whether he wanted to be the Chief Minister of
Jharkhand once again, Koda said, "who does not want a
promotion".
The former chief minister dismissed charges that the
progress of Jharkhand was halted when he was in office. "This
is not true. We did a lot for the development of the state,"
he said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 18:46