Tasmac liquor ‘scam’: ED to withdraw case against film producer; to proceed afresh

Chennai: Enforcement Directorate has decided to withdraw its proceedings against film producer Aakash Baskaran, based on searches conducted at the Tasmac headquarters in connection with suspected irregularities. A submission to this effect was made by Union govt in Madras high court on Friday.

The adjudicating authority will, however, undertake fresh proceedings in accordance with law, the central agency told the first bench of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan.

Recording the statement, the bench said, “In view of the submissions made by the additional solicitor-general that the notice issued by the adjudicating authority would be withdrawn and proceedings afresh would be undertaken in accordance with law, we deem it fit to close the writ petition, leaving it open to the petitioner to raise all the grounds assailing the search before the appellate tribunal.”

The issue pertains to an ongoing investigation into the alleged 1,000 crore liquor scam involving Tasmac and its officials. In connection with the case, the ED conducted searches at properties linked to film producer Aakash Baskaran and businessman Vikram Ravindran, during which documents were seized from Aakash Baskaran.

Subsequently, pointing out that the ED lacks the power to lock and seal premises, a division bench of the court directed the ED to return the seized documents to Aakash Baskaran and restrained the agency from taking any further action based on those documents.

However, the ED summoned Aakash Baskaran despite the restraining order prompting the petitioner to move a contempt of court petition. In the contempt petition, the summon will be withdrawn, and they will proceed afresh in accordance with law.