Delhi court directs money-laundering charges against Yasin Malik and six others
A Delhi court has directed that money-laundering charges be framed against jailed JKLF leader Yasin Malik and six other accused in a case involving alleged funds routed from Pakistan through hawala channels. The formal process was delayed because the accused could not be brought to court for security reasons.
A Delhi court has directed the framing of money-laundering charges against jailed Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front leader Yasin Malik and six other accused in a case being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate. Special Judge Prashant Sharma of the Patiala House Court issued the direction on September 9, observing that there was a “prima facie strong suspicion” against the accused, according to the source material. The charges are under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, covering money laundering and its punishment.
The other accused named in the order are Zahoor Ahmed Shah Watali, Abdul Rashid Sheikh, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Naval Kishore Kapoor, Trison Farms and Constructions Pvt. Ltd. and Masarat Alam Bhat.
The Enforcement Directorate alleges that funds were received from Pakistani establishments through hawala channels. The agency says the money was used to advance a secessionist agenda and carry out subversive activities. The accused were not physically produced before the court on Wednesday, September 30, when the charges were due to be formally framed.
The court cited security reasons and directed the Enforcement Directorate to have the charges signed by the accused in the jails where they are lodged. The matter has been listed for further proceedings on October 30. The court’s direction to frame charges is part of the prosecution process and does not by itself establish guilt.
The Enforcement Directorate case originated from a 2017 case registered by the National Investigation Agency. That case invoked offences including criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. The material does not include responses from Malik or the other accused to the allegations.
It also does not specify the amount allegedly transferred through the hawala channels.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.