News Puducherry Tamil Nadu

NCB Summons Puducherry Congress Functionary Eeram Rajendran For Questioning In Ex-DMK Functionary Jaffer Sadiq’s Delhi Drug Bust Case

April 11, 2024
The Commune

In a recent development related to the Delhi drug bust case, Puducherry Congress leader Eeram Rajendran has been formally summoned for questioning regarding his alleged ties to international drug kingpin Jaffer Sadiq.

Last month, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Delhi apprehended a trio and seized narcotics 3500 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, with a market value exceeding ₹2000 crore on the global scale. Following their interrogation, it was revealed that Jaffer Sadiq, based in Chennai, orchestrated the scheme and was subsequently arrested. Another associate, Sada from Chennai, was also apprehended following investigations.

In light of these developments, the Anti-Drug Trafficking Unit issued summons to filmmaker Ameer for interrogation in the investigation. Subsequently, searches were conducted at both Ameer’s and Jaffer Sadiq’s premises by the Central Enforcement Directorate.

Now, the Central Narcotics Control Unit has directed attention to Congress leader Eeram Rajendran, summoning him to appear for questioning at their Delhi office on the 14 and 15 April 2024. Rajendran, known for his involvement in the Eeram Foundation, joined the Congress party just last February.

Last week, images of Rajendran, the Congress Party’s representative for the Muthialpet constituency in Puducherry, alongside Jaffer Sadiq, surfaced on social media platforms. Rajendran addressed the media on 8 April 2024, clarifying his involvement. He stated, “I have been involved in managing factories for the past two decades. In 2017, I initiated the ‘Eeram Foundation’ for philanthropic activities. Subsequently, I joined the Congress party and have been actively engaged in various developmental initiatives. Additionally, I am collaborating as an associate producer in the film industry, notably working on projects with my close associate, director Ameer. Our film ‘Mayavalai’ featured Jaffer Sadiq among the attendees during its promotional activities. However, my adversaries are misrepresenting these associations on social media. Ameer has a wide circle of friends, including Jaffer Sadiq. I have no direct affiliation with him and have not been implicated in any investigation related to this matter. If required, I am fully prepared to cooperate with any inquiries. I have also lodged complaints with the cybercrime authorities and local police against those spreading defamatory content about me online. My commitment to advancing the Congress party’s agenda remains steadfast, and I am determined to accelerate our initiatives for further progress.”

It’s important to highlight that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) detectives carried out searches at 30 sites across Tamil Nadu on Tuesday. These searches included locations such as Jaffer Sadiq’s residence on Arulanandam Street in Mylapore, film director Ameer’s office in T. Nagar, and his residence in Chetpet, as well as Buhari hotel owner Buhari’s residence in Shastri Nagar, Adyar, JSM hotels in Purasawalkam, a property in Kodungaiyur, and a tour and travel operator’s office in Eldams Road and Teynampet. Additionally, 25 other locations in various Tamil Nadu cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Tiruchirapalli were searched. Sadiq Jaffer’s premises are also under scrutiny under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The NCB has indicated that they are investigating Sadiq’s connections with financiers in Tamil and Hindi cinema, as well as some “high-profile” individuals and potential instances of “political funding.”

Following information obtained during the interrogation of Jaffer Sadiq and his associates by the NCB, the ED has taken up this case to trace a money trail. ED officers carried out searches at 30 sites linked to Sadiq and his associates.

(with inputs from Kamadenu)

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