In a recent development, the Patiala House Court has sent five members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) to judicial custody for 14 days following their interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case. The accused, namely EM Abdul Rahiman, Anis Ahmad, Afsar Pasha, AS Ismail, and Md Shakif, were produced in court after the conclusion of six days of ED custody, having been arrested on December 21.
Vacation judge Chhavi Kapoor, upon hearing the submissions of the ED’s counsel, ordered the accused to judicial custody. During the proceedings, the court sought information on the evidence recovered during the custody remand. The ED’s Special Public Prosecutor, Manish Jain, stated that the accused had been confronted with evidence obtained during raids and in their presence.
The ED had initially arrested these individuals on December 21, alleging their involvement in generating proceeds for terror activities. This arrest follows the previous detention of six PFI functionaries under money laundering charges. According to the ED, the accused, including AS Ismail and Md. Shakif, were integral members of the PFI involved in unlawful activities.
The ED, seeking a 10-day custodial remand initially, asserted that the accused knowingly participated in processes connected to the proceeds of crime, committing offenses under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Advocates Naveen Kumar Matta and Manish Jain, representing the ED, revealed that the investigation exposed cash deposits and bank transfers orchestrated by the PFI to portray unaccounted cash as legitimate. They emphasized the PFI’s well-organized collection of substantial funds from abroad, suggesting the use of hawala channels for remittances.
Advocates Mohd Faizan and Ishaan Baisla also approached the ED in this matter. The PFI had recently challenged the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) order in the Delhi High Court, which was upheld by the Tribunal. The Tribunal dismissed PFI’s claims of being unfairly targeted, noting its members’ involvement in activities contrary to the country’s social fabric.
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In September of the previous year, the Ministry of Home Affairs had declared PFI and its affiliates as an ‘Unlawful Association,’ citing serious offenses such as terrorism, financing of terrorism, and disturbing public order. The ban was upheld by the Tribunal, which considered evidence presented by the government, including witness testimonies and videos justifying the ban on the organization.
The Ministry of Home Affairs designated PFI, along with its associates, affiliates, and fronts, as an “unlawful association” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, citing activities prejudicial to the integrity, security, and sovereignty of the country.
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