2 Himachal residents detained for links with Chinese ‘spy’

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 24

The police today detained two persons for questioning for their alleged links with Chinese national Charlie Peng, who was involved in Rs 1,000-crore hawala racket and snooping on Tibetan leader Dalai Lama.

They were Sonam Wangdu (man) from Chauntra (Mandi) and Lan Hu (woman) from Bir (Kangra) and detained following financial transactions were traced between them and SK Traders (Hawala company) of Charlie Peng, who was arrested in Delhi by the Income Tax Department.

“We had inputs of financial transactions and both have history of foreign visits and they are being questioned, said DGP Sanjay Kundu, adding that the inquiry was being conducted.

“The case is being investigated and preliminary investigations pointed out that they were paid to track and report the movement of the Dalai Lama,” said Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.

Security of Tibetan leader Dalai Lama had been beefed up, he added.

Investigation agencies are also looking into money laundering and hawala angle. Security agencies are also questioning some associates of the suspects.

Sources said Lan Hu had been living with her daughters in Bir while Sonam Wangchuk works in Chauntra.