E-Paper
Money laundering case: ED to attach properties belonging to Atiq, his associates
Officials said that a diary recovered in one of the raids revealed that Atiq’s benami properties are not just in Uttar Pradesh but in other states as well.
PRAYAGRAJ After carrying out raids at multiple locations in Prayagraj a few weeks ago, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is planning to attach properties and assets belonging to Atiq Ahmed and his associates in the money laundering case lodged against the slain mafioso-turned-politician.
The properties to be attached are in Prayagraj, Lucknow, and other cities of the state. A few weeks ago, ED officials raided homes and commercial establishments of many real-estate developers and big traders who were Atiq’s partners (or Atiq had made investments in their projects). ED also seized documents and records from the houses of Atiq’s accountant and lawyer in Prayagraj.
Raids have revealed that Atiq made investments worth several hundred crores in various projects through his partners. While ED is still scanning the seized documents and records, police also carried out raids at several places. Cops recovered several documents, including those of properties from Atiq’s partially demolished office and his in-laws house in Chakia.
Officials said that a diary recovered in one of the raids revealed that Atiq’s benami properties are not just in Uttar Pradesh but in other states as well. He purchased the properties in the name of his associates. ED officials are also investigating these properties.
According to ED officials, Atiq’s properties worth around ₹100 crore have been identified so far. To this end, the assistance of revenue department is being taken to identify these properties. Subsequently, the properties will be seized under the Money Laundering Act lodged against Atiq, added officials.
During investigation, ED officials have found that a majority of benami properties were purchased between 2012 and 2017. Forged documents were also prepared for purchasing these properties. Some of these properties have been identified in Prayagraj, Lucknow, and Noida. Officials said properties in Prayagraj are worth ₹50 crore while those in Noida and Lucknow cost over ₹50 crore. The identified properties are registered in the name of Atiq’s close associates and partners.
