ED Raids Expose Massive Waqf Land Scam in Ahmedabad; ₹2 Cr Frozen, ₹30 Lakh Cash, Crypto Seized
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Ahmedabad-7, May, 2025- In a major crackdown on alleged financial fraud involving Waqf properties, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Ahmedabad Zonal Office, conducted search operations on May 6, 2025, at nine locations across Ahmedabad. The searches were carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, as part of an ongoing investigation into the Waqf Board scam involving Salim Khan Jumma khan Pathan and others.
The case, based on an FIR filed at Gaekwad Haveli Police Station in Ahmedabad, centres on two Waqf Board-registered trusts—Kanch Ki Masjid Trust and Shah Bada Kasam Trust. The accused falsely claimed to be trustees and entered into fraudulent lease agreements, extorted rent from tenants, and submitted forged affidavits to the Waqf Board.
Investigators allege that the accused constructed around 150–200 illegal houses and 25–30 shops on Waqf land, siphoning off rental income that was never deposited into the trusts’ accounts. Instead, the proceeds were diverted for personal enrichment, defrauding both the Waqf Board and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. The land, originally designated for community welfare, was misused for unlawful commercial gains.
The ED seized ₹30 lakh in cash, froze bank accounts holding ₹2 crore, and seized ₹7 lakh worth of cryptocurrency. These assets are believed to be linked to proceeds of crime held by the accused or their associates. Authorities also recovered several incriminating documents and digital devices during the raids.
Further investigation is currently underway.
