HC seeks ED reply to bail plea of scribe Upendra Rai in money laundering case

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought response of Enforcement Directorate (ED) on bail plea of journalist Upendra Rai, arrested in a money laundering case related to alleged extortion and dubious financial transactions.

Justice Mukta Gupta issued notice to ED and asked it to file a status report March 19 in response to Rai's application seeking bail.

A sessions court had last week declined to grant him the relief.

Senior advocate Mohit Mathur, appearing for the Delhi-based scribe, told the high court that investigative agencies, CBI and ED, were "playing with the liberty" of his client.

The lawyer said that the "vindictive approach" of the agencies was evident from the fact that he is being kept in custody even though his further interrogation was not required.

Central government's standing counsel Amit Mahajan, appearing for ED, opposed the plea.

Before the sessions court, ED had opposed Rai's bail plea on the ground that he may influence witnesses and hamper probe if ...