The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out search operations at two residential premises linked to UK-based Islamic preacher Maulana Shamsul Huda Khan in Azamgarh and Sant Kabir Nagar districts of Uttar Pradesh. The action was taken as part of an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The probe was initiated based on three FIRs registered by the Uttar Pradesh Police on charges of fraud, forgery and criminal conspiracy. According to the FIRs, Khan was appointed as a primary school teacher in a madrasa in 1984 and later acquired UK citizenship in 2013.
Despite obtaining foreign citizenship, he allegedly continued to draw salary until 2017 and received pension benefits until 2023 after his retirement. The FIRs further allege that he concealed his foreign citizenship, misrepresented his nationality, unlawfully acquired immovable properties, and received government salary and retirement benefits without entitlement.
It has also been alleged that funds were routed through NGOs controlled by Khan in the guise of donations and were used for the construction of madrasas and the purchase of properties.
During the investigation, financial analysis reportedly revealed that over Rs 5 crore was credited to bank accounts held by Khan and entities linked to him. These accounts were maintained with Central Bank of India, Indian Bank, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank and State Bank of India. The funds were received both in his personal capacity and in the names of Raza Foundation and Kuliyatul Banatir Razabia Educational and Welfare Society.
The investigation indicates substantial financial transactions between 2007 and 2025. Officials said incriminating documents related to the acquisition of 17 immovable properties were recovered during the searches. (Agencies)
