In an important step in the fight against terrorism, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has unveiled a major terror funding operation tied to prohibited terrorist organizations, including the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and Indian Mujahideen (IM). The ED has taken action to provisionally seize the immovable assets of Raju Khan, a key member of the network, which are valued in crores of rupees. This move was conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and demonstrates the commitment of Indian investigative agencies to dismantle terrorist financing infrastructure.
This case is not confined to the seizure of a single person’s assets, but rather reveals a complex and carefully organized terror funding network that has been active for years. Investigations revealed that Raju Khan held a “critical” role in the network. Forensic analysis of his bank accounts indicated that he received a total of ₹48.82 lakh. Out of this, ₹42.47 lakh was allegedly sent to members of the banned organizations. These transactions were executed on the instructions of Khalid, who is based in Pakistan, and his associate in India, Dheeraj Sao. This substantial sum of money was distributed to sleeper cells and operators across the country to facilitate their terrorist activities.
The origins of this case can be traced to 2011, when Dheeraj Sao, from Bihar, was operating a modest chicken shop in Raipur’s Khamtarai area. His life took a turn when he received instructions from Khalid in Pakistan. Khalid directed him to open a bank account and transfer money to specified individuals. In exchange for his services, Dheeraj was permitted to keep 13% of the transferred amount as commission, with the rest going to accounts of individuals like Zubair Hussain and Ayesha Banu across the country.
The investigation revealed that the funding was carried out in multiple phases, not as a single transaction. Dheeraj Sao utilized several bank accounts to collect money from various sources, often in cash. These funds were then passed on to individuals such as Zubair Hussain, Ayesha Banu, and Raju Khan. Raju Khan’s accounts were crucial because they were utilized to further transfer the funds to numerous recipients, creating a complex network that was difficult to trace.
The ED’s investigation initiated from an FIR filed at the Khamtarai police station in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, against Dheeraj Sao and others under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The FIR alleged the use of certain bank accounts to receive funds from undisclosed sources within India, and subsequently, to transfer these funds under Khalid’s instructions.
Investigators found that Raju Khan played a pivotal role in the terror funding network. He was not just a conduit, but actively facilitated the delivery of funds to members of the banned organizations. Analysis of his bank accounts showed that he received total deposits of ₹48.82 lakh, with ₹42.47 lakh being transferred to organization members.
A striking aspect is that Raju Khan retained ₹6.34 lakh as commission, equivalent to roughly 13%. The ED has classified this sum as proceeds of crime, highlighting how even small players can profit from being involved in extensive terrorist plots. The property seized by the ED from Raju Khan is directly related to this ₹6.34 lakh.
Furthermore, Raju Khan’s criminal history doesn’t end here. He has been in judicial custody since his arrest on December 5, 2021. On December 21, 2023, he was re-arrested in Delhi in a different case for his involvement in distributing fraudulent SIM cards used in cybercrimes and identity theft, resulting in over 180 FIRs. Raju Khan’s bail pleas have been denied in both cases, and he is facing charges under both PMLA and UAPA.
The case developed with the arrest of Dheeraj Sao in 2013, along with Shravan, his maternal uncle’s son, in Raipur. Information gained from their arrests led investigators to Zubair Hussain and Ayesha Banu, residents of Mangalore, who were later arrested. Raju Khan, from West Bengal, remained at large until 2021 when he was finally apprehended. All accused are presently held in Raipur Central Jail.