Court takes cognizance of chargesheet against arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, directs ED to expedite his extradition

New Delhi: A special court has taken cognizance of ED chargesheet against arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari and has asked authorities to expedite the process of his extradition from UK, so that he can be put to trial here.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed a chargesheet against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari on June 1, 2020 in connection with money-laundering case against him. His co-conspirators were also charged for money laundering offence.

It was revealed that the accused Sanjay Bhandari stashed black money abroad with the assistance of his accomplices to evade taxes causing huge financial loss to the national exchequer.

During the course of investigation it was revealed that Sanjay Bhandari owned assets in various foreign jurisdictions, incorporated various entities in UAE as owner / beneficial owner and also had financial interest in entity incorporated in Panama. It was also revealed that all those foreign assets and entities were not disclosed by Sanjay Bhandari to Income Tax authorities in India.

Ld. Special Judge (PC Act) (CBI) Rouse Avenue Court vide order dated 15.10.2020 took cognizance of the prosecution complaint filed by ED against Sanjay Bhandari and other co-conspirators.

Further, the Ld. Special Judge also issued summons to the accused persons and directed the ED to expedite the process of extradition against Sanjay Bhandari pending before UK Authorities so that Sanjay Bhandari can be brought to India for trial in accordance with law. The Ld. Special Judge also permitted ED to carry out further investigation in this case.