The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized Rs 13.5 crore in cash after conducting raids at 7 locations in Ahmedabad and Mumbai in a major bank account misappropriation scam in Malegaon. The case relates to fake accounts of Nashik Merchant Co-operative Bank (NAMCO) and Bank of Maharashtra. The ED investigation revealed that 14 new accounts were opened in NAMCO Bank, in which more than Rs 100 crore were deposited. 5 such accounts were also found in Nashik branch of Bank of Maharashtra. Siraj Ahmed Mohammad Haroon Memon and his associates are accused of opening these accounts by misusing identity documents of innocent persons. 25 locations raided in November In November, 25 locations in Mumbai, Surat, Ahmedabad and Nashik were raided and cash and important documents worth Rs 5.2 crore were seized. Recently 13.5 crore cash was seized in raids at 7 places in Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The issue of vote jihad The issue of vote jihad was raised strongly during the assembly elections in Maharashtra, with BJP leader Kirit Somaiya claiming that the funding was channeled from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal and other states. Kirit complained to the Election Commission in this matter, an FIR has been filed against the 'Marathi Muslim Federation'. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya alleged that Rs 125 crore was funded for “vote jihad” in Malegaon through a fake account. Bank accounts misused The ED investigation revealed that money was transferred to different places using 21 fake firms and accounts. Crores of rupees cash was withdrawn through these fake accounts. In this case these two persons Nagni Akram Mohammad Shafi and Wasim Walim Mohammad Bhesnia were arrested under Section 19 of PMLA, 2002. So far a total of Rs. 18.7 crore (5.2 crore + 13.5 crore) cash has been seized, digital evidence and documents have also been seized.
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