Ahmedabad: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated multiple searches across Gujarat as part of a money laundering investigation related to alleged financial irregularities involving Waqf properties in the state.

The ED filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following an FIR by the Ahmedabad Police against several individuals, including Salim Khan Jumma Khan Pathan, Mohammad Yasar Abdulhamiya Sheikh, Mehmud Khan Jumma Khan Pathan, Fezmohamad Pir Mohammad Chobdar, and Saheed Ahmad Yakubhai Sheikh. The accused allegedly posed as trustees of the Kanch Ki Masjid Trust and Shah Bada Kasam Trust without legal authority.

According to official sources, the ED is conducting raids at approximately nine premises linked to the accused and their associates across Gujarat.

The investigation suggests that the individuals entered into fraudulent lease agreements, extorted rents from tenants, and submitted false affidavits to the Waqf Board.

Additionally, the suspects are accused of constructing shops on trust land, collecting rent, and conspiring against the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and Waqf Board for personal gain.

This action follows the Centre's recent implementation of the Waqf Amendment Act, aimed at increasing transparency in Waqf operations and transactions. However, the opposition has raised concerns, calling the Act unconstitutional.