ED files prosecution complaint aginst suspended TMC leader Sheikh Shahajahan among three in money laundering case
May 30, 2024
New Delhi [India], May 30 : The Enforcement Directorate has filed a prosecution complaint against three accused in a money laundering case against suspended TMC leader Shahajahan Sheikh and others, the agency said on Thursday.
It was charged that Shahjahan along with others had created an atmosphere of terror by indulging in organized crime of giving threats of injury, murder, attempt to murder and extortion and also grabbed land of general public and obtained illegal monetary gains and benefits.
ED's Kolkata Zonal Office filed the prosecution complaint against Sk Sahajhan, Sk Alomgir, Shib Prasad Hazra and others before a Special Judge, CBI-I, Bichar Bhavan, Kolkata under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in a money laundering case against Shahajahan Seikh and others.
ED initiated the investigation on the basis of 13 FIRs registered by West Bengal Police under various sections of Indian Penal Code Act, 1860 and Arms Act, 1959 against Sahajhan Seikh and others on the allegations that "they have created an atmosphere of terror by indulging in organized crime of giving threats of injury, murder, attempt to murder and extortion and also grabbed land of general public and obtained illegal monetary gains and benefits."
ED investigation revealed that Sk Sahajhan had created a criminal empire revolving around land grabbing, illegal fish farming and trading, grabbing brick fields, cartelization of contracts, collection of illegal taxes and levies, and commission on land deals.
During investigation by the ED, statements of various persons including local farmers, tribals, fish merchants, agents, exporters, landowners, contractors etc have been recorded under Section 50 of PMLA 2002. Also, searches were conducted under section 17 of PMLA wherein three cars-- a Mahindra Thar, Scorpio- New and Jeep Compass-- belonging to Sk Sahajhan, and his brother Sk Alomgir were seized.
Earlier, ED had attached movable and immovable properties of Sk Sahajhan and others of value Rs 27.08 crore vide two provisional attachment orders dated March 5, 2024 and May 16, 2024. Out of the proceeds of crime of value Rs 261.41 crore derived and obtained by said persons from criminal activities, as revealed during the course of investigation conducted under PMLA, 2002.
ED said four persons namely Sk Sahajhan, his brother Sk Alomgir and his two accomplices Shib Prasad Hazra and Didar Boksh Molla were arrested by ED and all these four persons are presently in judicial custody.
