Nawab Malik conspired with D-Company to usurp property: Mumbai Court on ED chargesheet

The Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Mumbai took cognizance of the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against the Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Nawab Malik in a money laundering case involving underworld don Dawood Ibrahim..While taking cognizance, the Special Judge RN Rokade observed that there are sufficient grounds for proceeding further with the case and issued notice to Malik and the other accused in the complaint.“Malik in connivance with D-company members, hatched a criminal conspiracy for usurping the prime property belonging to Mrs. Munira Plumber (complainant). Therefore, the above property usurped by accused (Malik) in connivance with Hasina Parkar and others (D-company), is proceeds of crime under PMLA. The said acquisition of the proceeds of crime is generated from the illegal activities. There is prima facie evidence to indicate that the accused is directly and knowingly involved in money laundering offence, therefore, he is responsible for committing the offence of money laundering and is liable for punishment,” the 7-page order stated..D-company is the informal name given to the underworld crime syndicate headed by Dawood Ibrahim..The prosecution complaint filed by ED last month stated that members of D-Company and Malik, connived together and executed several legal documents to put a facade of authenticity over the criminal act.The Court noted from the statements in the chargesheet that Sardar Khan, convict in Bombay blast case of 1993, was also part of the said conspiracy leading to the usurping the property..ED had arrested Malik on allegations that he had purchased a property at a rate lower than market value from Ibrahim.Malik was allegedly picked up from his residence at 7 am on February 23 for interrogation after he was made to sign the summons issued to him by ED.After interrogation for over 8 hours, Malik was arrested and remanded to ED custody for 8 days after which he has been remanded to judicial custody.Malik had also moved the Bombay High Court by way a Habeas Corpus petition which came to be dismissed. The same was upheld by the Supreme Court.The Supreme Court directed Malik to approach the special court for bail.Malik has not yet filed for regular bail, despite remarks from the Supreme Court, as he is waiting for a copy of the prosecution complaint filed by the central agency.Meanwhile the Special Court has permitted Malik to avail treatment at a private hospital of his choice for his medical condition..[Read Order]