ED raids 9 locations in Gujarat over alleged Waqf land misuse

More than Rs 2 Crore Suspected Proceeds of Crime Frozen; Cash, Crypto, and Documents Seized in a Raid

ED raid in Gujarat: A major day operation conducted by the ED Ahmedabad regional office on May 6 saw searches in nine different places in Ahmedabad under PMLA, 2002. The raids are conducted as part of an ongoing investigation concerning alleged misuse of waqf lands and misappropriation of trust funds.

The case is purportedly against Salim Khan Jummakhan Pathan and his associates, who stand accused of falsely claiming trusteeship over two trusts registered with the Waqf Board—Kanch Ki Masjid Trust and Shah Bada Kasam Trust.

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According to authorities, the accused have been involved in forgery of lease agreements, collection of rents from tenants through extortion, and furnishing of false affidavits before the Waqf Board. They are also said to be engaged in the illegal development of about 150-200 residential units and 25-30 shops on trust land. As per the charge sheet, these properties, which were meant for the welfare of the community, were rented, collecting the rent for personal use instead of depositing it in the trust accounts.

During the raids, the ED froze about Rs 2 crore in bank funds and Rs 7 lakh worth of cryptocurrency while seizing Rs 30 lakh in cash. The assets are considered to have a connection with the proceeds of crime. Several digital devices and documents that bear great importance were seized in relation to the investigation.

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The enforcement officers argue their probe began following the registration of an FIR at Gaekwad Haveli Police Station in Ahmedabad. They confirmed that the preliminary investigation into financial irregularities is still underway.