Munmun Kaur
Published On: February 24, 2022 at 12:06 IST
NCP functionary and Maharashtra Minority Development Minister Nawab Malik got Arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on February 23.
The Arrest was made in connection with the Money Laundering Case against the international terrorist Dawood Ibrahim. As per the reports, Malik was produced before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Court. He is Remanded in ED Custody till March 03.
As per the reports, the ED reached Malik’s residence at 5 in the morning and conducted a search. The Agency then brought Malik to its office at Ballard Estate in South Mumbai by 7:30 AM and began questioning him by 8 AM.
Following his Arrest, NCP workers gathered outside the ED’s office and shouted slogans against the move. Malik, on the other hand, told reporters, “Ladenge, jeetenge, sab ko expose karenge (Will fight, win and expose everyone)”. He was then taken to J J Hospital for a medical check-up after which he was brought to the Special Court.
The Agency submitted before the Court that Malik allegedly bought approximately 3 acres of land at Goawala compound in Kurla in 1999 and paid Rs 85 lakh, including Rs 55 lakh in cash between 1999 and 2005, to Dawood’s sister Haseena Parker.
The Agency further said that the property was allegedly usurped from its original owners and sold to Malik in connivance with members of the “gang”, referring to Dawood’s aides and others. “If you look at it from any angle, it is a clear case of money laundering. Property was controlled by Parkar… her associate Salim Patel told her deal was done for Rs 55 lakh of which Rs 50 lakh was in cash,” the Agency said.
On the other hand, Amit Desai, the Counsel appearing for Malik questioned the motive for alleging ‘terror funding’ after a gap of 20 years. He said, “This is not a Hindi movie script. Court has to take judicial notice. Malik has been in public service for almost three decades, people do understand who they vote for and won’t vote for a terrorist.” Pointing out at the ED’s Remand Application, he said that it was a cleverly drafted Application to take away Malik’s liberty.
Desai further said that at best it was a case of misuse of power of attorney and Malik was the victim. He went on to say that the alleged transactions were made at the time PMLA was not even in force. Hence, there was no offence of Money Laundering at the time, hence none was committed.