New Delhi, November 22
Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has conducted search operations at 13 premises in Gujarat, Delhi and Haryana under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in connection with investigation against Arif Ali Amjad Ali Khan and others.
ED initiated investigation on the basis of FIR registered by Range Forest Officer, Mandvi South Range, Surat Forest Division, Surat under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 in the matter of illegal smuggling of Khair Wood.
The main allegations include that the accused Mustaq Adam Tasiya, Moh. Tahir Ahmed Hussain and Ors. were involved in illegal cutting of Khair trees from the Wildlife Sanctuaries without permission of the forest authorities, in various districts of Gujarat such as Vyara, Tapi, Surat, Valsad, Navsari and Narmada, transporting and selling them across state borders, thereby destroying and damaging the natural habitat of wildlife and generating Proceeds of Crime.
The search has resulted into recovery and seizure of unexplained cash amounting to Rs. 30 Lakh, various digital devices and incriminating documents
