ED summons former minister Praful Patel in UPA-era aviation scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned senior NCP leader and former aviation minister Praful Patel (pictured) next week as part of its money-laundering probe into alleged losses suffered by Air India in a multi-crore aviation scam during the UPA era, officials said on Saturday.

They said Patel, a Rajya Sabha member, has been asked to appear before the investigating officer of the case at 11 am on June 6. This is the first major action against a political leader in the alleged multi-crore aviation scam, which is stated to have taken place during the UPA government.

Official sources said Patel needed to be put through certain revelations made by arrested aviation lobbyist Deepak Talwar and certain evidence unearthed by the agency.