- ED books Islamic preacher under PMLA probe
- Radical links and foreign funding under investigation
The Enforcement Directorate has registered a money laundering case against an Islamic preacher in connection with alleged radical links and illegal funding activities. The agency said the case involves Maulana Shamsul Huda Khan, a native of Uttar Pradesh who is currently based in the United Kingdom.
According to the Enforcement Directorate, the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act stems from a first information report filed earlier by the Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad. Officials said the FIR formed the basis for initiating the financial probe. Therefore, the agency has begun examining the flow of funds, assets, and foreign connections linked to the accused.
The Enforcement Directorate stated that Khan was appointed as an Assistant Teacher in a Uttar Pradesh government aided madrassa in 1984. However, officials alleged that he acquired British citizenship in 2013. Despite this, he is accused of continuing to draw salary from 2013 to 2017. During this period, he was allegedly neither an Indian citizen nor discharging teaching duties, while staying abroad, officials said.
Meanwhile, investigators found that Khan reportedly travelled to several foreign countries over the last 20 years. He is alleged to have received funds through seven to eight bank accounts maintained in India. Officials also reported that about a dozen immovable properties worth around Rs 30 crore were “acquired” by him. The agency accused Khan of “promoting” radical ideology and engaging in illegal funding activities under the guise of religious education. Khan could not be contacted for a comment.
According to officials, Khan allegedly channelled funds to various madrassas through his NGO named Raja Foundation and also through his personal bank accounts. He is further accused of establishing two madrassas in Azamgarh and Sant Kabir Nagar. Later, authorities cancelled the registrations of these madrassas, officials said.
The Enforcement Directorate is also examining Khan’s alleged links with radical organisations based in the United Kingdom. Officials said he is reported to have visited Pakistan and is alleged to be a member of the Pakistani radical organisation ‘Dawat E Islami’. Therefore, investigators are focusing on the wider funding network, foreign linkages, and assets connected to the accused as the probe continues.
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