ED summons Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in connection with Panama Papers leak case

Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Panama Papers leak case. The actress has allegedly been called in for questioning over the alleged violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). 

The Panama Papers, which came to light in 2016, refer to over 11.5 million leaked documents that detail financial and attorney-client information for more than 214,488 offshore entities. Among the 500 individuals from India allegedly mentioned in the documents are the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and actor Ajay Devgn.

The ED has registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) a well as the FEMA, after learning how finances were safeguarded in offshore accounts to evade taxation. 

The actress had been interrogated by the ED in the same case. Reports suggest that she had asked for a different date for questioning. The Indo-Asian News Service quoted an official saying, "We summoned her for December 20. As of now, we haven't got any reply from her side. The summons was sent to her Mumbai residence." 

The ED will seek further legal action if the actress fails to respond or turn up for questioning.