The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken decisive action in an ongoing money laundering probe concerning purported financial malpractices involving Gujarat Waqf properties. Rs 7 lakh in cryptocurrency and Rs 2 crore in bank funds have been frozen, supplemented by the seizure of Rs 30 lakh in cash after multiple raids in Ahmedabad.
The investigation was propelled by a police FIR that led to raids at nine locations across Ahmedabad. Individuals named in the FIR include Salim Jumma Khan Pathan and Mohammad Yasar Abdulhamiya Sheikh, among others, with Salim Pathan being a known history-sheeter involved in various criminal cases, including under the Arms Act.
Authorities allege the accused falsely asserted trusteeship of significant trusts and executed fraudulent agreements, collecting rents without rightful deposits. Manipulation also involved forged documents submitted to the Waqf Board, leading to unauthorized commercial developments intended for personal enrichment rather than community welfare.
(With inputs from agencies.)