"Many laughed, few believed": Congress targets government over ED raids on Anil Ambani

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Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Friday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him and industrialist Anil Ambani of executing a "Rs 1,30,000 crore surgical strike on Indian defence forces."

Tagore referred to Rahul Gandhi's 2018 allegations against Ambani, who is currently under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a loan fraud case.

"In 2018, my leader @RahulGandhi warned the nation. The PM and Anil Ambani jointly carried out a Rs 1,30,000 crore surgical strike on Indian defence forces… You betrayed India's soul." #RafaleScam. Many laughed. Few believed. ED has now summoned Anil Ambani in a Rs 17,000 crore loan fraud case, days after raids on his premises. The same Anil Ambani whose debt-ridden firm was picked for the Rafale offset deal - replacing HAL. Will Modi answer now?" Tagore posted on X (formerly Twitter), quoting Rahul Gandhi.

"ED has now summoned Anil Ambani in a Rs 17,000 crore loan fraud case, days after raids on his premises. The same Anil Ambani whose debt-ridden firm was picked for the Rafale offset deal - replacing HAL. Will Modi answer now?" he reiterated.

Earlier today, the Enforcement Directorate summoned industrialist Anil Ambani for questioning in connection with an ongoing probe into the alleged Rs 17,000 crore loan fraud, official sources confirmed.

Ambani has been directed to appear before ED investigators at the agency's headquarters in New Delhi on August 5. The investigation pertains to suspected financial irregularities and potential violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The agency is scrutinising the roles of various individuals and entities linked to the case, with Ambani's statement expected to be a key element in the investigation.

This development follows a major ED operation on July 24, during which raids were conducted at 35 premises, targeting 50 companies and over 25 individuals associated with the Reliance Anil Ambani Group (RAAGA) Companies. The action stems from a money laundering investigation initiated after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a First Information Report against the RAAGA companies.

Meanwhile, the Congress on Friday claimed that the Indian economy has been well and truly devastated by a series of "five Modi-inflicted shocks", and said the government as well as its cheerleaders are being economical with the truth of the real state of the economy.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the Modi government, its drumbeaters and cheerleaders are living in a make-believe world.