ED cracks whips on Maha Waqf board; Nawab Malik distances from alleged land scam

ED searched multiple premises in Pune and adjoining areas in connection with a money laundering case linked to alleged illegal sale of Waqf properties in Maharashtra.

New Delhi:The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday searched multiple premises in Pune and adjoining areas in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged illegal sale of Waqf properties in Maharashtra, officials said.

They said at least seven premises have been covered and the action is being taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED case of money laundering is based on a Maharashtra Police FIR and charge sheet and the agency is collecting more information through the raids, they said.

Reacting to the raids by the central agency, Maharashtra Minority Affairs Minister Nawab Malik said he welcomes the Enforcement Directorate to investigate all the institutions of the Waqf Board.

"I have nothing to do with the land deal," said Malik, distancing himself from the scam that he said took place during the tenure of a previous president.

He added that old documentation at the Board has been scanned and secured.

Malik also said that the ED should have to issue a press note informing about the action.

"The Waqf Board operate transparently. The work of the board is being done online. If ED comes to my house, they will be welcomed," he said.