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Ahead of Maharashtra's state assembly elections, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated an investigation into an alleged bank fraud and hawala scam, widely referred to as the "vote jihad" case by BJP. The agency launched searches on November 14 at 17 locations across the country, focusing on bank accounts suspected to be involved in fraudulent transactions. These raids are part of an ongoing probe into over 2,200 suspicious transactions linked to this case.
The operation began early in the morning, with ED teams conducting searches at 13 locations in Ahmedabad, three in Surat, and two in Malegaon and Nashik in Maharashtra. Five locations in Mumbai were also targeted. Authorities have connected the case to hawala operations involving various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.
The investigation revolves around allegations that large sums of money were transferred across multiple bank accounts using hawala channels. According to senior ED sources, the agency has identified bank accounts that were used for suspicious financial activities, especially between September 23 and October 3, just before the Maharashtra elections. During this period, the money was funneled through several accounts, triggering the investigation.
The "vote jihad" scam came to light when BJP leader Kirit Somaiya claimed that approximately ₹125 crore was routed through a bank in Malegaon via hawala traders, with the funds then dispersed into multiple accounts. The funds allegedly aimed to influence voter behavior ahead of the elections.
Key suspect: Siraj Ahmed Haroon Memon
The main accused in the case is Siraj Ahmed Haroon Memon, 43, a tea and cold drink agency operator. Memon is accused of using fraudulent means, including acquiring Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and mobile SIM cards from unsuspecting individuals, including farmers, under the pretext of offering a lucrative corn business opportunity. These documents were allegedly used to open multiple bank accounts in the names of these individuals.
Memon reportedly opened 12 bank accounts in his own name and that of his associates, and between September 23 and October 3, 14 more accounts were opened. Large sums of money were deposited into these accounts, with funds quickly transferred to other accounts, prompting the ED's intervention.
The agency’s investigation now spans 153 bank branches in various states, uncovering links to a complex web of financial transactions that could have influenced the upcoming Maharashtra elections.
BJP MLA Nitesh Rane vows to prevent "vote jihad" in state polls
Amidst these developments, BJP MLA Nitesh Rane has vowed to ensure that the "vote jihad" narrative does not impact the Maharashtra assembly elections. Rane, a candidate from Kankavli in Sindhudurg district, said he would not tolerate any attempts to manipulate the elections through alleged vote bank politics.
In an interview with PTI, Rane expressed his defiance against multiple FIRs filed against him for allegedly making hate speeches. He emphasised that his comments defending his religion were not wrong and stated that he had not committed any crimes. "I am going to be mentioned as a Hindu on my birth and death certificate. If I am being blamed for a hate crime just because I am trying to take the side of my own dharma, I don’t think there is anything wrong in it," Rane said.
Rane also linked the "vote jihad" narrative to the BJP's electoral struggle, claiming that it had been a factor during the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year. He warned that the party would ensure such tactics would not affect the state polls.
The term "vote jihad," often used by BJP leaders, suggests that Muslim voters collectively opposed the party in previous elections. Rane criticised "jihadi-minded" individuals in the Muslim community and accused them of undermining India’s secular Constitution while adhering to Sharia law.
Rane's remarks have sparked controversy, and he has faced several FIRs over hate speech, particularly following a viral video in which he threatened violence against those who criticised a Hindu religious leader. Despite these legal challenges, Rane maintained his stance, stating that defending his community was his right.
The operation began early in the morning, with ED teams conducting searches at 13 locations in Ahmedabad, three in Surat, and two in Malegaon and Nashik in Maharashtra. Five locations in Mumbai were also targeted. Authorities have connected the case to hawala operations involving various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.
The investigation revolves around allegations that large sums of money were transferred across multiple bank accounts using hawala channels. According to senior ED sources, the agency has identified bank accounts that were used for suspicious financial activities, especially between September 23 and October 3, just before the Maharashtra elections. During this period, the money was funneled through several accounts, triggering the investigation.
The "vote jihad" scam came to light when BJP leader Kirit Somaiya claimed that approximately ₹125 crore was routed through a bank in Malegaon via hawala traders, with the funds then dispersed into multiple accounts. The funds allegedly aimed to influence voter behavior ahead of the elections.
Key suspect: Siraj Ahmed Haroon Memon
The main accused in the case is Siraj Ahmed Haroon Memon, 43, a tea and cold drink agency operator. Memon is accused of using fraudulent means, including acquiring Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and mobile SIM cards from unsuspecting individuals, including farmers, under the pretext of offering a lucrative corn business opportunity. These documents were allegedly used to open multiple bank accounts in the names of these individuals.
Memon reportedly opened 12 bank accounts in his own name and that of his associates, and between September 23 and October 3, 14 more accounts were opened. Large sums of money were deposited into these accounts, with funds quickly transferred to other accounts, prompting the ED's intervention.
The agency’s investigation now spans 153 bank branches in various states, uncovering links to a complex web of financial transactions that could have influenced the upcoming Maharashtra elections.
BJP MLA Nitesh Rane vows to prevent "vote jihad" in state polls
Amidst these developments, BJP MLA Nitesh Rane has vowed to ensure that the "vote jihad" narrative does not impact the Maharashtra assembly elections. Rane, a candidate from Kankavli in Sindhudurg district, said he would not tolerate any attempts to manipulate the elections through alleged vote bank politics.
In an interview with PTI, Rane expressed his defiance against multiple FIRs filed against him for allegedly making hate speeches. He emphasised that his comments defending his religion were not wrong and stated that he had not committed any crimes. "I am going to be mentioned as a Hindu on my birth and death certificate. If I am being blamed for a hate crime just because I am trying to take the side of my own dharma, I don’t think there is anything wrong in it," Rane said.
Rane also linked the "vote jihad" narrative to the BJP's electoral struggle, claiming that it had been a factor during the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year. He warned that the party would ensure such tactics would not affect the state polls.
The term "vote jihad," often used by BJP leaders, suggests that Muslim voters collectively opposed the party in previous elections. Rane criticised "jihadi-minded" individuals in the Muslim community and accused them of undermining India’s secular Constitution while adhering to Sharia law.
Rane's remarks have sparked controversy, and he has faced several FIRs over hate speech, particularly following a viral video in which he threatened violence against those who criticised a Hindu religious leader. Despite these legal challenges, Rane maintained his stance, stating that defending his community was his right.
First Published: Nov 14, 2024 3:04 PM IST
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