ED arrests close aide of Iqbal Mirchi in land deal case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested a close aide of gangster Iqbal Mirchi, Humayun Merchant and seized his property in connection with an alleged land deal case. Earlier, the agency had arrested other accused associated with the case and got their remand for 5 days on October 12.

Mumbai:The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday arrested Humayun Merchant, a close aide of late gangster Iqbal Mirchi and seized his property in connection with an alleged land deal case.

The investigating agency had earlier questioned former union minister and senior NCP leader Praful Patel in alleged connection with the case.

Read:Praful Patel questioned by ED; leaves after 12 hours

The ED has identified the Benami assets of Mirchi, who was declared as one of the 10 foreign drug kingpins by the US. Investigation revealed that Iqbal Mirchi has amassed various properties in India, UAE, and the UK from the proceeds of crime.

The agency has already arrested Mirchi's associates, Haroun Yousuf and Ranjit Singh Bindra under Prevention of Money Laundering Act and got their remand for 5 days on October 12.

Read Background:Iqbal Mirchi PMLA case: ED conducts raids on DHFL premises