The Enforcement Directorate has summoned three famous fashion designers Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, and Ritu Kumar in a probe related to the money laundering case which also involves Punjab Congress politician Sukhpal Khaira

All these renowned fashion designers have been asked to appear before ED this week to record their statements in connection with some cash payments made to them a few years ago by Khaira.

Pertinently, Khaira is already being interrogated for alleged drug smuggling and fake passport racket.

An ED source related to the probe said, "A notice has been sent to the three fashion designers to appear before the ED."

Also Read: Amid Punjab Congress crisis, MLA Fatehjung Bajwa declines Punjab cabinet’s job offer for son

“We have information that Khaira had paid money to the tune of several lakhs of rupees to the three designers in cash in 2018-2019. We want to question them about these transactions,” added the source.

The source further added that the three designers were paid in cash by the politician for designing the dresses for a wedding ceremony a few years back. "And there was no record of the cash transaction in their IT returns. So they have been called to present their side," the source said.

Malhotra, Mukherjee, and Kumar are known for their designer collection in India as well as in other countries. Many corporates and Bollywood personalities wear dresses designed by them.