The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh): Louise Khurshid, wife of prominent Congress leader Salman Khurshid, is slated to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Lucknow today for questioning related to a money-laundering probe. The investigation concerns alleged misuse of government funds intended for the distribution of artificial limbs and equipment by a trust she heads.
The ED’s inquiry, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), follows an MP-MLA court in Bareilly issuing an arrest warrant against Louise Khurshid and another accused in the case. The next hearing is set for February 16.
This case originates from a state police FIR filed in 2017. According to Special Public Prosecutor Achintya Dwivedi, discrepancies were alleged in a program for the distribution of artificial limbs and equipment organized by Dr. Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust for Disabled Persons during 2009-10. The trust, run by Louise Khurshid, reportedly misused government funds by employing fake seals and signatures.
Three individuals were identified as the main accused: Louise Khurshid, the trust’s project manager; Pratyush Shukla, a representative of the trust; and Athar Farooqui, the trust’s secretary. Pratyush Shukla has since passed away.
The ED, having previously recorded statements from Shukla’s wife and other individuals, has now requested Louise Khurshid’s participation in the investigation. Despite repeated court summons, the accused have not appeared in court or secured bail.
Attempts to reach Louise Khurshid for comment were unsuccessful, and it remains unclear whether she will comply with the ED’s summons. This development marks a critical juncture in the ongoing probe into the alleged financial irregularities linked to the trust.