The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated action in a case involving terror funding, provisionally attaching approximately ₹6.34 lakh worth of assets belonging to Raju Khan. This action was taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The case is related to the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and the Indian Mujahideen (IM), both of which are proscribed organizations.
The investigation began with an FIR filed at the Khamtarai police station in Raipur. The FIR stated that bank accounts in India were being used to provide funds to terrorists, acting upon the instructions of Khalid, a Pakistani national. The investigation revealed that Dheeraj Sao, also known as Dheeraj Kumar, was using multiple bank accounts under Khalid’s direction.
Reports indicate that cash deposits were made by various individuals, and these funds were channeled to individuals like Zubair Hussain, Ayesha Bano, and Raju Khan. Raju Khan played a pivotal role in this network. His bank account received ₹48.82 lakh in cash deposits. He subsequently transferred ₹42.47 lakh to individuals associated with SIMI and IM, while retaining approximately 13%, or ₹6.34 lakh, as commission.
Evidence collected by the NIA indicated that these funds were reaching terrorists affiliated with SIMI and the Indian Mujahideen. Dheeraj was arrested in Raipur in 2013, and his cousin Shrawan was also apprehended. Based on the information gathered from them, Zubair and Ayesha, residents of Mangalore, were also arrested. However, Raju Khan was at large until recently. All the accused are presently incarcerated in Raipur Central Jail.
The ED has so far attached both movable and immovable assets totaling ₹9.15 lakh in this case. The investigation is ongoing, and the ED is seeking to determine the involvement of other individuals.