The Goa High Court has granted bail to accused Rohan Harmalkar in a case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), observing that the prolonged failure of the Goa Police to file a chargesheet in the alleged land-grabbing cases weakened the foundation of the money-laundering allegations.
The court noted that nearly four years had passed without the police filing a chargesheet against Harmalkar in the underlying alleged land-grabbing cases.
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The defence argued that the delay raised questions about the basis of the money-laundering case against Harmalkar. The High Court, while considering the bail plea, took into account the status of the underlying criminal proceedings and the absence of a chargesheet over the prolonged period.
The case stems from allegations of land grabbing, with the Enforcement Directorate subsequently registering proceedings under the PMLA.
The High Court’s order allows Harmalkar to remain out on bail while the proceedings in the case continue.
