The Patiala House Court has taken cognizance of the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate against the banned outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) and three of its members in a money laundering case pertaining to alleged terrorism-related activities. The court has also noted that funds were used for purpose of unlawful activities, inciting violence, which allegedly led to the 2020 North East Delhi riots.
The court issued a summon to PFI and ordered the three accused to be produced from judicial custody physically on the next date of hearing on December 16.
ED informed the court that there is a cash credit of Rs32 crores, for which there is no explanation by the PFI.
ED further stated that there are fraudulent donations made by the PFI in five bank accounts in Delhi.
A total of Rs 64 crore has come from abroad, through hawala channels, out of which Rs.32 cr has been deposited in cash.
The court took note of the allegations in the chargesheet, alleging the accused PFI members have committed scheduled offences, as unaccounted/tainted money was being used to make untainted money.
Court took a record of the details/history of PFI’s officer bearers like Parvez Ahmed, Mohd Alias and Abdul Muqeet, who have held important positions in the Delhi Unit of PFI. As per reports, all three joined the organisation in 2018-19.
The court also took note of the following aspects that have come out as per the investigation:
PFI has many active members abroad, more importantly in “Gulf Countries”.
- More than Rs 60 crore have been deposited in these accounts since 2003. Most of the amount was deposited in the PFI accounts in cash. Deposited by sympathizers.
- Most donations are bogus, made in cash, and are part of a larger conspiracy.
