MLA Solanki, aides used front companies to launder money, says SIT chargesheet

In all, the MLA has 18 criminal cases pending against him and the Kanpur police unit is in the process of opening his history-sheet.

Updated on: Jul 25, 2023, 18:46:21 IST

By Haidar Naqvi

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KANPUR Incarcerated Samajwadi Party MLA Irfan Solanki and his aides used six front companies to launder their money, according to the chargesheet filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) against the legislator under the Gangster Act.

Irfan Solanki is currently lodged in Maharajganj jail. (HT Photo)

The companies were created to invest the money earned through illegal activities, said the chargesheet, which was submitted in the MP/MLA court last week by the SIT. The chargesheet names MLA Solanki, his brother Rizwan, gangsters Israel Aatewala, Mohd Shareef, real estate developers Shaukat Ali, Haji Ajjan, and gangster-politician Mursalin Khan Bholu.

According to two officials aware of the developments, the case could now be handed over to agencies involved in unearthing economic offences for further investigation.

The companies formed to launder money by the MLA and his group include -- Hamraz Constructions, SA Builders, Badshah Builders, Hash-Hash Builders, Sara Builders, and SA Constructions.

As per the chargesheet, the companies are controlled by either the accused or their family members. It further says that the companies used to buy properties at throw away prices and sell each flat for crores of rupees, thus accruing enormous assets.

Apart from this, the gang was also into securing government contracts, land leases, illegal fishing in Ganga, and selling public land.

Solanki is currently lodged in Maharajganj jail. The MLA was arrested after a widow alleged that Solanki, along with others, set her makeshift house on fire to occupy the 400 square yard plot in Defence Colony in Jajmau (Kanpur) in November last year.

In all, the MLA has 18 criminal cases pending against him and the Kanpur police unit is in the process of opening his history-sheet.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Haidar Naqvi
Haidar Naqvi is an Assistant Editor with the Hindustan Times in Kanpur and has been with the newspaper since May 1997, after beginning his journalism career with The Times of India. Over more than three decades, he has reported on terrorism, internal security, politics, governance and public affairs, with a particular focus on the changing nature of extremist movements in India.From 2008 to 2011, Haidar was part of the Hindustan Times National Reporting Team, contributing to coverage of some of the country's most significant security stories. He was among the reporters who covered the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks as they unfolded and continued reporting on the investigation that exposed the conspiracy behind them.His reporting has followed the rise and evolution of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), the Indian Mujahideen and India's counter-terrorism response, alongside extensive coverage of organised crime and the underworld. He has also reported on Indian Mujahideen serial blasts, the Maoist insurgency, communal riots, parliamentary and assembly elections, and major political developments. Over the years, he has interviewed political leaders, senior police officers, intelligence officials and policymakers, while reporting from communities affected by violence, conflict and public policy.Beyond national security, Haidar has covered politics, minority affairs, governance, wildlife and human-interest stories across Central Uttar Pradesh and Bundelkhand. A recipient of the coveted Hindustan Times' Star Award, he brings historical perspective, field experience and institutional knowledge to reporting on the intersection of security, governance and society.Read More