ED conducts Searches at Premises of Builders and Chartered Accountants of Ex-MLA Late Atiq Ahmad; Incriminating Documents and Cash worth Rs.17.80 Lakh Seized

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has conducted searches on 14.06.2023 and 15.06.2023 at 10 premises located in Prayagraj, Lucknow and New Delhi belonging to various aides and associates of Late Atiq Ahmad (EX MP/MLA and Mafia) including renown builders, Chartered Accountants

The search resulted in the recovery and seizure of Rs. 17.80 lakh in cash, papers related to the sale/purchase of properties, financial documents of companies/firms, bank statements, mobile phones, laptops, and other physical and electronic evidences to prove the offence of Money Laundering under Section 3 of the PMLA, 2002. The physical and forensic examination of confiscated evidence is still continuing.

ED initiated investigation against Atiq Ahmad and his aides under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 on the basis of crime RC lodged by CBI on the direction of Hon’ble Supreme Court on the allegation of kidnapping, extortion and assault against Atiq Ahmed and his men.

Atiq Ahmad is a history sheeter (H.S. No. 39A) who controls a mafia organisation that has long been involved in significant crimes. Around 100 FIRs of crimes like as murder, extortion, and land grabbing were revealed to have been filed against him at various police stations.

During the investigations, it was revealed that by indulging in criminal activities since 1989 and by usurping govt. and other people’s land properties, Atiq Ahmad has amassed huge property in his name, his family member’s name and in the name of his associates and other benamidars.

It is also worth noting that searches under Section 17(1) of the PMLA were carried out on the premises of various close associates of Atiq Ahmad on 12.04.2023 and 13.04.2023, resulting in the recovery and seizure of cash worth Rs.84.68 Lacs, a gold bar worth Rs.60 Lacs, gold and diamond jewellery worth Rs.2.85 Crore, digital devices and various physical documents/records.

Further investigation is in progress.