ED searches against Tablighi Jamaat in four Hyderabad locations
By Newsmeter Network Published on 19 Aug 2020 3:39 PM GMT
New Delhi: Sleuths of the Enforcement Directorate, on August 19th, carried out searches in four places in Hyderabad in connection with a money laundering case filed against Tablighi Jamaat leader Maulana Saad Kandhalvi. The searches resulted in ED seizing documents and electronic devices in Hyderabad.
Concurrently searches were held in Mumbai and Delhi. The ED was acting upon an FIR registered by the Delhi Police against Tablighi Jamaat leader Maulana Saad Kandhalvi, trusts linked to Jamat and others.
The central investigation agency had earlier filed a money laundering case against the Maulana and took cognizance of the Delhi Police complaint.
In March, the Delhi Police Crime Branch registered a case against seven people including the cleric. They acted upon a complaint filed by the station house officer of Nizamuddin Police Station for holding a congregation of Tablighi Jamaat followers in alleged violation of the orders against large gatherings to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Maulana Saad is alleged to have organised a gathering at the Nizamuddin Markaz where social distancing norms were violated.
The agency is also scanning several donations received through international sources.
Post the event in mid-March, several citizens had tested positive for the virus. Maulana Saad, who had released an audio message after the FIR was registered, said that he is under self-quarantine. Officials have said that over 25,000 Tabhligi Jamaat members were quarantined after the state had conducted a mega operation to find them. At least 9,000 people had participated in the congregation, many then travelled to different parts of the country.
An FIR was registered by the Delhi Police on March 21st, after they contacted the event officials and informed them that no political or religious gathering of more than 50 people was allowed to be organised.
