The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a significant money laundering investigation against Islamic preacher Maulana Shamshul Huda Khan, who is currently based in the United Kingdom. The central probe agency registered a case under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Friday, marking a major escalation in the scrutiny of the cleric's financial affairs.
Foundation of the Case: UP ATS FIR and Allegations
The ED's action is not standalone; it stems from a First Information Report (FIR) previously filed by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). This legal foundation has allowed the financial investigation agency to step in and examine the potential flow of illicit funds.
Central to the allegations is Shamshul Huda Khan's employment history. He was appointed as an assistant teacher at a government-aided madrasa back in 1984. However, officials allege a clear case of fraud: from 2013 to 2017, he continued to receive a salary from the institution. This period is crucial because he had obtained British citizenship in 2013 and was residing abroad, allegedly without performing any teaching duties in India.
Probe into Assets, Foreign Travel and Radical Links
The investigation has reportedly uncovered a complex web of financial transactions and asset accumulation. According to agency officials, Khan travelled to several foreign nations and is suspected of channeling substantial funds through 7 to 8 Indian bank accounts, with the amounts running into several crores of rupees.
The asset trail appears even more substantial. Investigators claim to have found that the accused acquired more than a dozen immovable properties across India. The estimated cumulative value of these assets is staggering, said to exceed Rs 30 crore.
Simultaneously, the probe is delving into Khan's international connections. Agencies are examining his alleged links with radical organisations based in the United Kingdom. His travels have also come under the scanner. "He had also visited Pakistan, and his alleged contacts with extremist organisations there are being probed. He is believed to be a member of the Pakistani radical organisation Dawat-e-Islami," officials stated.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Course
The Enforcement Directorate is currently in the process of meticulously mapping the entire funding network associated with Maulana Shamshul Huda Khan. The focus areas include:
- Foreign Linkages: Tracing the source and destination of international funds.
- Asset Documentation: Legally establishing the ownership and means of acquisition for the identified properties.
- Organisational Ties: Deep-diving into the nature of his connections with groups like Dawat-e-Islami.
This PMLA case adds a serious financial dimension to the existing allegations against the UK-based preacher. The ED's investigation will seek to determine if the funds acquired through alleged salary fraud and other channels were laundered to create the vast portfolio of assets now under the microscope.
