VIJAY DEO JHA
Ranchi, June 14: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has continued questioning powerbroker Prem Prakash and confronted him with dossiers related to his business interest in the liquor industry and the influence he played in the policy decision as well. He often turned answerless and uncomfortable when confronted with evidential documents.
Besides, the ED has also asked about his involvement in influencing the transfer and posting of bureaucrats and police officials. He was also questioned about people who have played a role in influencing the decisions of the government.
“He is thick-skinned and very calculative, hence, extracting facts and corroborating the same from his end needs a lot of effort and patience. But the ice is melting,” said sources who are aware of the probe.
He was extensively asked about his business concerns in the beverage sector and whether or not he lobbied for a couple of liquor companies in Jharkhand. The ED confronted him with evidence suggesting some quid pro quo he suspected to have received for some kind of lesion. He turned silent when documents were shown to him.
Prem Prakash operated across the board irrespective of regimes. He was asked whether or not he got a major contract to supply the manpower to run liquor shops in the previous regime. While accepting this fact he, however, denied that he was associated with any liquor cartel. On this, the ED showed him transcripts of several conversations that suggest otherwise. He was asked about his links with a liquor trader of Santhal Pargana who is facing a probe in a separate money laundering case.
