Deputy CM defends brother, questions timing of ED action
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday defended his brother, suspended police officer Vijay Choudhary, after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) booked him on money laundering charges, terming the action "selective targeting."
"My brother is someone who fought against militancy and has survived militant attacks," Choudhary said, as reported by Daily Excelsior and The Indian Express. He said that instead of being rewarded for his brother's service, he was being targeted, and warned that "the files would one day be opened and those responsible would have to answer."
The case against Vijay Choudhary
Vijay Choudhary, an inspector, is currently suspended. The ED booked him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for allegedly possessing several benami assets, as reported by The Indian Express. Daily Excelsior adds that the case relates to allegations of managing dozens of assets through benami transactions and money laundering.
An FIR had earlier been registered against Vijay by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for allegedly amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, according to both outlets.
'Complete faith in judiciary'
Choudhary asserted that he would not be intimidated by the filing of a case against his brother, adding that "every oppression has a end," as quoted by Daily Excelsior. He said that any matter concerning his family should be decided by the judiciary rather than being debated publicly.
"I would rather leave it to the investigating agencies and the court. I have complete faith in my judiciary," Choudhary said. He made the remarks to reporters on the sidelines of his inspection of a government hospital in Jammu.
Political criticism and other remarks
In the same remarks, the Deputy Chief Minister criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying the party seeks Muslim votes during elections but resorts to "Hindu-Muslim politics" after elections, calling it "unfortunate" for Jammu and Kashmir and the country, as reported by Daily Excelsior.
He also said there had been significant improvement in hospital management after the formation of the National Conference-led government, stressing the need to treat doctors and paramedical staff properly, according to Daily Excelsior.