Maharashtra Minister​ Nawab Malik’s arrest as per legislation: ED, urges Bombay HC to dismiss his habeas corpus plea

By PTI

MUMBAI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday urged the Bombay High Court to dismiss the habeas corpus (legislation writ issued to deliver a celebration earlier than a courtroom or decide) petition filed by Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik difficult his arrest by the anti-money laundering company, saying his arrest was as per legislation.

In the affidavit filed earlier than a bench led by Justice PB Varale, the ED denied Malik’s allegations that he was arrested illegally and that his arrest was “politically motivated.”

The ED stated that it was additionally probing Malik in “two more cases related to D-Company”.

Malik was arrested by the ED on February 23 in a money-laundering probe linked to the actions of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his aides.

In its preliminary reply affidavit filed earlier than the excessive courtroom, the ED stated that it was additionally probing Malik in “two more cases related to D-Company”.

The ED additional submitted that it was a “responsible and independent agency” and that in arresting Malik, it had acted in “conformity with the law.”

The ED had claimed that Malik used to introduce pretend tenants on properties purchased with cash belonging to Dawood Ibrahim to scale back the registration worth of the land.

On Monday, a particular courtroom within the metropolis despatched Malik to judicial custody after his custody interval with the ED ended.

Following his arrest, Malik filed a habeas corpus plea within the HC by way of senior advocate Amit Desai.

He challenged his arrest and sought his rapid launch.

Desai talked about the plea and sought an pressing listening to earlier than the excessive courtroom on Monday however the bench scheduled the matter for additional listening to for Tuesday resulting from paucity of time.

As per the ED’s affidavit signed by Niraj Kumar, Assistant Director, ED, “Malik’s energetic involvement in terror funding” was linked to a land deal in 1999 with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim’s sister.

The ED stated that it had eyewitness’ accounts and different proof to assist its claims.

The company additional stated that the offence of cash laundering was a seamless offence, and a grave one at that.

Therefore, making use of the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act towards Malik, even retrospectively, was in accordance with the legislation.

“In the light of the above-stated submissions, it is humbly prayed that this court be pleased to dismiss this writ petition,” the affidavit reads.

“The petition is not only not maintainable, but also a tactic by the petitioner (Malik) to derail the investigation,” it reads.