Asaram Bapu

NEW DELHI: The judge who heads the appellate money laundering tribunal yesterday ripped apart the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for not taking action against self-styled godmen like Asaram Bapu , who have criminal cases registered against them and have amassed money in the hundreds of crores.

The judge, Justice Manomohan Singh, then wondered why the ED is ignoring such 'babas', even as it speedily goes after people like controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik .

Justice Singh's harsh criticism came in the context of the ED seeking to attach properties belonging to Naik, who's accused of inciting terror in India and abroad. The judge is the head of the Appellate Tribunal for PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act).

"I can give you the name of 10 'babas' 10 babas who have assets in excess of Rs 10,000 crore each and they have criminal cases against them. Have you taken action against even one of them? What about Asaram Bapu?" the judge asked the counsel for the ED.

Justice Singh was talking about the self-styled godman who faces serious sexual assault cases against him.

"In the last 10 years, the ED has done nothing to attach Asaram's properties, but in the case of Naik, I can see the ED working with quite a bit of speed," said Justice Singh, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Justice Singh then told the ED's lawyers he wouldn't allow the attachment of Naik's properties because the ED chargesheet doesn't mention specific offences by Naik.

