In a significant crackdown, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested four individuals for their alleged involvement in a major financial fraud. The accused are suspected of misappropriating a staggering sum of Rs 4.73 crore collected in the name of religious activities through a trust that did not legally exist.
The Raid and Arrests
The operation unfolded on Thursday afternoon when ATS officials conducted a raid near Patrud village in Majalgaon taluka of Beed district. Acting on intelligence, the squad detained the four accused around 4:30 PM. Following their arrest, the individuals were presented before a court on Friday, which granted the police seven-day custody until January 15 for further interrogation.
Modus Operandi of the Scam
Investigators have uncovered a complex scheme. The accused allegedly operated under the banner of 'Gulzar-e-Raza Trust'. However, probe documents revealed this trust was never validly registered. To lend an air of legitimacy, they illicitly used the registration number of the Ahilyanagar-based Faizan-e-Kanzul Iman Trust.
Using this fabricated identity, the group opened five bank accounts in Latur. Over time, they collected a total of Rs 4,73,67,503 from donors, purportedly for religious and charitable work. The authorities allege that instead of using the funds for the stated purpose, the money was diverted for personal gain. A signboard for the Gulzar-e-Raza Trust was even installed in Patarud village, furthering the deception.
Investigation and Handover
ATS Superintendent of Police Khanderao Dharne confirmed that while the ATS developed the case, registered the offence, and carried out the preliminary investigation and arrests, the matter has now been transferred. "The ATS laid the groundwork and registered the offence, after which the case was handed over to the Beed police," Dharne stated.
The investigation is now being spearheaded by the Beed police. Beed SP Navneet Kanwat emphasized the seriousness with which the case is being treated, noting that "the investigation is being monitored at a senior level in the police hierarchy." Kanwat added that their team is working diligently to uncover all possible details and connections in this complex financial fraud.
The four accused have been identified as Imran Kaleem Shaikh, Mujjammil Noor Sayyed, Ahmeduddin Kaiser Qazi, and Taufiq Javed Qazi. As the police custody period proceeds, authorities are expected to delve deeper into the money trail and identify any other individuals who may be involved in the scam.
