New Delhi, Oct. 1 -- A Special NIA Court in New Delhi has ordered the framing of money laundering charges against separatist leader Yasin Malik and six others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The court, in an order passed on September 9 and made available on October 1, said there was sufficient material on record to raise a "strong suspicion" against all seven accused of committing an offence under Section 3 of the PMLA, which is punishable under Section 4 of the law.
The case relates to allegations that foreign funds were received through hawala channels and were subsequently used to support subversive activities in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Enforcement Directorate, the alleged proceeds of crime in the case amounted to around Rs.8.94 crore. The other six accused are Mohammad Aslam Wani, Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar, Javed Ahmad Mir, Farooq Ahmad Dar, Bashir Ahmad Shah and Shabir Ahmad Shah. The prosecution has alleged that the accused were involved in receiving, transferring or facilitating funds linked to separatist activities.
The court's order follows proceedings in which the investigating agencies placed material concerning the alleged movement of funds before the court. The prosecution has alleged that the money originated from foreign sources, including elements based in Pakistan, and entered India through informal financial channels. The alleged transactions form part of a broader investigation into funding networks associated with separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The case focuses specifically on the alleged laundering of proceeds connected with such activities. The court's decision to frame charges means the case will now proceed to the next stage of trial. It does not amount to a finding of guilt against the accused, who will have the opportunity to contest the allegations during the proceedings.
The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for October 30. Yasin Malik is already serving a life sentence after being convicted in a separate terror-funding case. In May 2022, a special NIA court had sentenced him to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to charges including criminal conspiracy and offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The latest proceedings concern allegations under the PMLA and are separate from the earlier conviction. The court will now examine the evidence and arguments relating to the alleged money laundering offences as the case moves forward.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.