In a major legal setback for the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a special court in Arunachal Pradesh has dismissed the money laundering case filed against senior Congress leaders, including former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and other party figures. The ruling, delivered on December 15, has been hailed by the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) as a “complete vindication” of their leaders and a “slap on the face of political vendetta.”
The ED had initiated proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with alleged irregularities in the Smart City Project and other development schemes during the Congress-led government. The case stemmed from a 2019 probe into purported misuse of funds, with charges of conspiracy and money laundering levelled against the accused.
Court’s Key Observations
The special PMLA court, presided over by Judge T. Taga, ruled that the ED failed to establish a prima facie case, citing:
- Lack of sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations.
- Procedural lapses in the investigation.
- Absence of a scheduled offence (predicate offence) under the PMLA.
The court noted that the ED’s chargesheet was “vague and lacked specific details,” leading to the quashing of the case against all named accused, including Nabam Tuki, former ministers, and party functionaries.
APCC’s Jubilant Response
APCC President Nabam Tuki termed the judgment a “historic victory for truth and justice.” In a strongly worded statement, he accused the BJP-led central government of weaponising central agencies for political persecution.
“This ruling exposes the politically motivated witch-hunt against Congress leaders in Arunachal. The ED’s case was built on falsehoods, and the court has rightly thrown it out. We stand vindicated, and the people of Arunachal know who speaks the truth.”
Tuki also called for an apology from the Centre and the BJP, demanding accountability for the “harassment” faced by the accused over the years.
Political Fallout and Implications
The dismissal comes at a sensitive time for Arunachal’s politics, with panchayat and municipal elections recently concluded and the BJP securing a strong majority. The opposition Congress has leveraged the ruling to highlight what it calls “selective enforcement” by agencies like the ED and CBI.
BJP leaders have downplayed the judgment, with some sources indicating the agency may appeal in higher courts. However, the verdict has boosted morale within the state Congress unit, which has been in opposition since 2016.
The case’s quashing also raises questions about the broader use of central agencies in northeastern states, where political rivalries often intersect with central intervention.
As the dust settles, the Arunachal Congress has vowed to continue its fight against what it describes as “BJP’s misuse of power,” while the ruling party maintains that the ED acted in good faith based on available evidence.
This development marks a significant legal win for the Congress in the state, potentially reshaping the narrative ahead of future electoral battles.
(Source: India Today NE)
