Controversy Unfolds: Anil Ambani Summoned Amidst Allegations of Defense Deal Irregularities

In a fresh wave of political and legal scrutiny, Congress MP Manickam Tagore has launched a sharp critique at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging his involvement in a substantial defense scam alongside industrialist Anil Ambani. Tagore accuses both figures of engineering a ₹130,000 crore 'surgical strike' on the nation's defense capabilities.

Revisiting allegations made by Rahul Gandhi in 2018, Tagore highlights the controversial Rafale offset deal, wherein Ambani's financially troubled firm replaced the then-candidate HAL. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified the situation by summoning Ambani for questioning over a ₹17,000 crore loan fraud case, following extensive raids on his business premises.

The ED's investigation, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, seeks to unravel potential financial misconduct involving multiple entities linked to the Reliance Anil Ambani Group. Ambani's testimony is poised to be a pivotal element in the probe, scheduled for a hearing in New Delhi. This comes after the ED's extensive search operation across 35 locations tied to the case.

(With inputs from agencies.)