In a major crackdown on alleged financial misappropriation involving Waqf Board-registered trusts, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out search operations at nine locations in Ahmedabad on May 6 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The ED's Ahmedabad Zonal Office initiated the probe based on an FIR filed by Gaekwad Haveli Police Station, Ahmedabad City, Gujarat. The investigation centers around Salim Khan Jummakhan Pathan and others, who falsely claimed to be trustees of the "Kanch Ki Masjid Trust" and "Shah Bada Kasam Trust."

According to an official release, the accused individuals executed fraudulent lease agreements, extorted rent from tenants, and submitted false affidavits to the Waqf Board. "They also built shops on Trust's land and collected rent while committing fraud and conspiracy against Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the Waqf Board for personal gain," the ED stated.

In a startling revelation, officials reported that around 150-200 houses and 25-30 shops were illegally constructed on trust-owned land. These properties were then rented out, with monthly collections diverted by the accused instead of being deposited into the trust's accounts. The ED confirmed that the land was originally allocated for community welfare.

During the raids, the agency seized cash amounting to ₹30 lakh, froze approximately ₹2 crore in bank funds, and also froze ₹7 lakh worth of cryptocurrency holdings. All of these assets are believed to be linked to the accused or their affiliates and are suspected to be part of the proceeds of crime. Several digital devices and incriminating documents were also seized.