The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a significant money laundering investigation against a Uttar Pradesh-origin Islamic preacher currently residing in the United Kingdom. The federal agency registered the case under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Friday, targeting Maulana Shamsul Huda Khan for his alleged connections with radical outfits, including one based in Pakistan.
Origins of the Case and Allegations
The PMLA case finds its roots in a First Information Report (FIR) previously filed by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS). According to officials, Khan was appointed as an Assistant Teacher at a government-aided madrassa in Uttar Pradesh back in 1984. Investigations reveal that he acquired British citizenship in 2013.
Despite becoming a foreign national and residing abroad, Khan is accused of continuing to draw a salary from the madrassa from 2013 to 2017 without performing any teaching duties. The ED probe suggests he travelled extensively to multiple foreign countries over the past two decades.
Financial Network and Asset Trail
The financial investigation forms the core of the ED's case. Officials state that Khan allegedly received funds through seven to eight bank accounts maintained in India. Furthermore, the probe has uncovered about a dozen immovable properties, collectively valued at approximately ₹30 crore, which are believed to have been acquired by the accused.
Khan, a native of Azamgarh district, is alleged to have channelled money to various madrassas through his non-governmental organisation, the Raja Foundation, as well as via his personal bank accounts. He also reportedly established two madrassas in Azamgarh and Sant Kabir Nagar, whose registrations were later cancelled by authorities.
Radical Links and Ongoing Scrutiny
The ED's chargesheet goes beyond financial crimes, accusing Khan of "promoting" radical ideology and conducting illegal funding activities under the cover of religious education. A critical aspect of the investigation is examining his purported links with radical organisations based in the UK.
Officials have made a serious allegation, stating that Khan visited Pakistan and is suspected to be a member of the Pakistani radical organisation 'Dawat E Islami'. The federal agency is now meticulously tracing the entire funding network, foreign connections, and assets associated with the accused to establish the money trail and the extent of the alleged illegal activities.
Attempts to contact Maulana Shamsul Huda Khan for his comments on the allegations have been unsuccessful so far. The ED's investigation remains active and is expected to delve deeper into the international dimensions of the case.
