Srinagar, Jan 17: In a significant development, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has provisionally attached properties valued at approximately Rs. 5 Crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into terrorist activities involving Mohammad Akbar Bhat and others.
The attached properties include seven immovable properties and two bank accounts, registered in the names of individuals such as Mohd Akbar Bhat, Ms. Fatima Shah, Qazi Yasir, Mohammad Abdullah Shah, and Mohd Iqbal Mir. These properties are located in Jammu and Kashmir.
The ED launched the investigation based on an FIR filed and chargesheet issued by the J&K Police. The charges pertain to various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and IPC,1860 against individuals like Mohammad Akbar Bhat, Fatima Shah, Altaf Ahmad Bhat, Qazi Yasir, Syed Khalid Geelani alias Khalid Andrabi, and others. The accused were allegedly collaborating with handlers in Pakistan to facilitate admissions for Jammu & Kashmir students in Pakistani colleges in exchange for substantial amounts ranging from Rs. 10-15 lakh per student.
During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that the funds were received in personal accounts and in the bank accounts of Al-Jabar Trust, ostensibly established for charitable purposes. However, these accounts were allegedly utilized to receive funds from students and redirected towards supporting terrorist activities in India.
According to a spokesman, the funds were distributed to stone pelters, and financial support was provided to individuals and terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir as per the instructions of handlers in Pakistan, including Manzoor Ahmad Shah and Altaf Ahmad Bhat. The ED has emphasized that further investigation is underway, shedding light on the intricate network of financial transactions linked to terrorist activities within India.
