The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Niranjan Hiranandani and his son Darshan Hiranandani, the promoters of the renowned Mumbai-based real estate developer Hiranandani Group, for questioning in connection with a foreign exchange violation case, official sources disclosed on Sunday.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the PTI reported Hiranandanis have been instructed to appear at the central agency's office in Mumbai for questioning. However, they may opt to provide their initial responses through an authorised representative, they added.
Darshan Hiranandani has been residing in Dubai for several years. Last week, the ED conducted searches at approximately four properties belonging to the Hiranandani Group in and around Mumbai under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
In addition to scrutinising certain foreign transactions, the agency is reportedly investigating the beneficiaries of a trust based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), allegedly associated with the Hiranandani Group promoters.
The group has affirmed its willingness to cooperate with the ED in its investigation under FEMA.
Official sources clarified that the ongoing ED probe is unrelated to another FEMA investigation involving TMC leader Mahua Moitra, who was dismissed as a Lok Sabha MP in December of last year.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had accused Moitra of raising questions in the Lok Sabha to target Adani Group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the behest of Darshan Hiranandani, allegedly in exchange for gifts. Dubey further alleged that Moitra compromised national security for monetary gains.
Moitra has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that she is being targeted for raising questions regarding deals involving Adani Group.
Meanwhile, last week the ED issued look out notice (LOC) against Byju's chief Raveendran over FEMA violations. Earlier this month, the central agency made a formal request to the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) in a bid to ensure that Raveendran remains within the national borders.