Neyaz Elahi
Srinagar (NVI): Enforcement Directorate (ED) today attached properties of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Farooq Abdullah, valued at around Rs 11.86 crores under PMLA in connection with the laundering of funds of Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).
“The attached properties include three residential houses, one at Gupkar Road, Srinagar; one at Tehsil Katipora, Tanmarg, and one at Bhatindi in Jammu; commercial buildings at posh Residency Road area of Srinagar,” ED said in a statement.
Beside this, lands at four different places in J&K have also been attached, the statement added.
“The order we received mentions the name of Dr Farooq Abdullah and some others,” Srinagar based top ED official told NVI.
He said ED has issued a provisional attachment order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the properties will be sealed shortly.
“Among these attached properties the residence and land of Dr. Farooq Abdullah at Gupkar Road and commercial buildings at Residency Road, at prime upmarket locations, are state lands obtained on lease. The other attached house at Bhatindi, Village Sunjwan, (Jammu) had been constructed by Farooq Abdullah on state land and forest land, where he has also grabbed state land and forest land,” Enforcement Directorate noted.
“Between years 2006 to January 2012, when Dr. Farooq Abdullah was the president of JKCA, he misused his position and clout by illegal appointments of office bearer at JKCA to whom he gave financial powers for the purpose of laundering of JKCA Funds. Investigation also reveals that Dr. Farooq Abdullah was instrumental as well as beneficiary of the laundered funds of JKCA,” the ED further said.
Furthermore, despite existing regular bank account of JKCA, six new bank accounts were opened for parking of JKCA Funds and siphoning of the same. One dormant bank account in the name of Kashmir Wing of JKCA was also made operational for the same purpose, the agency noted.
According to the probe agency, the BCCI had given Rs 113 crore (approx) to Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association from 2002 to 2011 as a grant for the promotion of cricket in J&K. Of this, Rs.43.69 crore was allegedly siphoned off and misappropriated by the accused.
-CHK
