The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed an FIR over alleged trespassing and interference with a flat in Thane, Maharashtra, attached during a money laundering investigation involving Iqbal Kaskar, the brother of underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim. The agency said the action aims to prevent unauthorised interference with properties attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The FIR was registered on October 15, after the ED restored possession of the property. According to the agency, certain individuals allegedly entered the flat, interfered with its lock and removed a possession notice. They also reportedly claimed ownership of the premises.
How the Thane Flat Was Attached
The property was provisionally attached during an ED investigation into an alleged extortion case involving Iqbal Kaskar and others. The agency initiated its probe following a police FIR registered in Thane concerning allegations against Kaskar, Mumtaz Azaz Sheikh, also known as Raju, and Israr Ali Jamil Saiyad, among others.
During the investigation, the ED alleged that threats and extortion were used to pressure people into registering flats in favour of the accused or at their direction.
The provisional attachment was subsequently confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority under Section 8(3) of the PMLA through an order dated September 29, 2022. The ED took possession of the flat on December 17, 2024.
Court Directions Lead to Restoration of Possession
After learning about the alleged trespass, the ED conducted inspections and enquiries to safeguard the attached property. The agency also brought the matter before the Special Court dealing with PMLA cases.
The court directed the ED to restore possession, with police assistance if necessary. Acting on those directions, officials changed the lock in the presence of police personnel and witnesses. A fresh notice was also placed on the premises.
The notice informed anyone aggrieved by the action that they could approach the ED office or the court conducting the trial.
ED Seeks Action Against Those Responsible
The agency said the FIR would facilitate an investigation into the alleged unauthorised entry and help ensure that those responsible face legal action in accordance with the law.
The case highlights the enforcement challenges involved in protecting properties attached during financial crime investigations. The allegations of trespassing remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
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