Do you have enough evidence to nail Hasan Ali Khan? SC to Centre

The Supreme Court today wondered whether the Centre had enough evidence to nail Pune-based businessman Hasan Ali Khan who faces the charge of money laundering.

During the brief hearing of Khan's bail plea, a bench of Justice Altamas Kabir and Justice SS Nijjar said the accused may be charged for other offences under the Income Tax Act and the Passport Act.

"We are bogged down by the huge amount. There are only vague allegations but there is nothing to link him," the bench said after Addiitonal Solicitor General Harin Rawal said granting bail to Khan would only enable him to flee the country.

Rawal said government had sufficient evidence to prove that Khan had several foreign accounts and illegal money to the tune of over $93 million stashed abroad.

He said a letter rogatory had been sent to several countries for obtaining more information on his allegedly illegal money said to be part of money laundering activities.

However, the bench was not convinced with the arguments and said there was nothing in the prosecution's records to prove that the money was part of any money laundering activity.

"May be you can prosecute him under other offences," the bench said while adjourning the matter till Thursday.