Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], May 8 (HBTV): The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Ahmedabad Zonal Office, conducted search operations at nine locations in Ahmedabad on May 6 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

According to an official release, the searches were carried out in connection with the ongoing probe into Salim Khan Jummakhan Pathan and others in the Waqf land misuse case. The individuals in question had claimed to be trustees of two Waqf Board-registered trusts—Kanch Ki Masjid Trust and Shah Bada Kasam Trust.

The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by the Gaekwad Haveli Police Station in Ahmedabad.

As per the agency, the accused allegedly entered into fraudulent lease agreements, extorted rent from tenants, and submitted false affidavits to the Waqf Board. They were also accused of illegally constructing around 150–200 houses and 25–30 shops on the Trust's land and collecting monthly rents without depositing them into the trust’s account.

‘They committed fraud and conspiracy against the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the Waqf Board for personal gain. The land, originally meant for community welfare, was misused, and the trust's funds were siphoned off,’ the ED stated.

During the raids, officials froze bank funds amounting to approximately INR 2 crore, seized INR 30 lakh in cash, and froze crypto assets worth INR 7 lakh. These assets were reportedly owned or controlled by the accused and their associates and are suspected to be proceeds of crime. In addition, several incriminating documents and digital devices were seized. 

(ANI)