Lucknow: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on February 11 carried out a major search operation under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Maulana Shamsul Huda Khan in Uttar Pradesh. The raids were conducted at multiple locations in Sant Kabir Nagar and Azamgarh, including residential premises linked to the Maulana and his family members.
According to official sources, the ED team from Lucknow conducted searches at four locations, including areas under Khalilabad Kotwali jurisdiction in Sant Kabir Nagar and Mubarakpur in Azamgarh. During the operation, the agency recovered documents related to 17 immovable properties.
The declared value of these properties is estimated to be around ₹3 crore, however, the market value is believed to exceed ₹20 crore. The agency suspects that these assets were acquired through proceeds of crime and are linked to alleged money laundering activities.
Suspicion Over UK Citizenship and Government Benefits
Investigations have revealed that Maulana Shamsul Huda Khan allegedly acquired United Kingdom citizenship in 2013, but despite this, he continued to receive a government salary until 2017 as part of his association with Madrasa Ashrafia in Azamgarh. Reports further suggest that he continued to draw pension benefits until 2023, raising serious concerns regarding possible concealment of foreign nationality and misuse of government funds.
Suspicious Transactions Worth ₹5.5 Crore Detected
The ED also examined four bank accounts linked to Maulana Shamsul Huda Khan, his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and an NGO named Raza Foundation. The accounts were maintained in several banks, including Central Bank of India, Indian Bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, and State Bank of India (SBI).
During scrutiny of transactions from 2007 to 2025, the agency reportedly found suspicious entries exceeding ₹5.5 crore, indicating possible financial irregularities and undisclosed funding.
Case Registered Based on Three FIRs
The ED has registered a money laundering case against Maulana Shamsul Huda Khan and his family members on the basis of three FIRs filed by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and local police authorities.
Officials suspect that the accused may have concealed foreign citizenship to illegally avail government benefits, and that the NGO route may have been used for suspected foreign funding and questionable financial transactions.
Further Probe Underway
The agency has intensified its investigation into property acquisitions, banking records, and potential foreign investments. Some reports indicate that the total value of the properties could be as high as ₹33 crore, while cash deposits worth nearly ₹5 crore are also under scrutiny.
The ED stated that the investigation is ongoing and further action will be taken based on the findings of the financial trail and supporting evidence.
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