The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in Lucknow has provisionally attached 121 acres of land and buildings belonging to Glocal University in Saharanpur. These properties, valued at Rs. 4,440 crore, are owned by the Abdul Waheed Educational and Charitable Trust. The trust is controlled and managed by Md. Iqbal, a former MLC, and his family members. This action was taken under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with an illegal mining case.
Background of the Case
The ED began its investigation based on an FIR registered by the CBI in New Delhi. The FIR included various sections of the IPC, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. It related to the illegal renewal of sand mining leases in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The accused in the FIR included mining lease holders Mehmood Ali, Dilshad, Mohd Inam, the late Mehboob Alam, Naseem Ahmad, Amit Jain, Vikas Agarwal, Mohd Wajid, Mukesh Jain, Puneet Jain, several government officials from Saharanpur, and unknown persons.
Findings of the ED Investigation
The investigation revealed that all the mining firms were owned and operated by the Mohd. Iqbal group. These firms were engaged in extensive illegal mining in Saharanpur and surrounding areas. Despite reporting minimal earnings in their Income Tax Returns (ITRs), these firms had high-value transactions worth crores of rupees with Mohd. Iqbal’s group companies, without any legitimate business relations. Funds were funneled to the Abdul Waheed Educational and Charitable Trust’s bank account through multiple sham entities and bogus transactions, labeled as unsecured loans and donations.
Use of Illegally Earned Funds
All the trustees of the Abdul Waheed Educational and Charitable Trust are Md. Iqbal and his family members. The funds from illegal mining were used to purchase land in Saharanpur and to construct buildings for Glocal University. Over Rs. 500 crore earned from illegal mining was invested in acquiring land and constructing the university. The current market value of these properties is Rs. 4,440 crore.
Current Status
The ED’s action states the serious implications of illegal mining and money laundering in the region. As the investigation progresses, further revelations and additional arrests are anticipated. Md. Iqbal is currently absconding and is believed to be in Dubai. His four sons and brother are in jail, facing multiple charges.