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ED attaches assets worth Rs 16.40 cr in Zakir Naik case

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Mumbai, Jan 19 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached properties worth over Rs 16.40 crore in its ongoing investigation against Islamic preacher and televangelist Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, the agency said on Saturday.

In a statement, the ED said the attached properties were based in Maharashtra’s Mumbai and Pune cities and that the action was taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED had already made two provisional attachments worth Rs 34.09 crore in connection with the case which the agency took over on the basis of National Investigation Agency (NIA)’s October 26, 2017 chargesheet filed before a Special Judge in Mumbai.

The total value of all Zakir Naik-related properties attached by the ED stands at Rs 50.49 crore, including the latest attachment.

The ED said that funds to the tune of Rs 49.20 crore were received in the NRE Bank accounts of Naik in India from his Dubai accounts.

“The origin of these deposits was from unknown sources. Naik used the funds to the tune of Rs 17.65 crore for purchase of properties from builders like Salim Kodia, partner in MK Enterprises; Munaf Vadgama, partner in Aafiyah Realtors; Sameer Khan, partner in Pacific Orient Genesis Associates; Musa Lakdawala, partner of Lakdawala and Yash Associates; Fatima Heights (Mumbai); Aafiyah Heights (Mumbai); ENGRACIA (Pune) and a project at Bhandup, Mumbai,” the ED statement said.

In a bid to hide the origin of funds and real ownership of properties, the ED said the initial payment made from the account of Naik was refunded and diverted to the accounts of his wife, son and niece and rerouted again for making bookings in the name of family members rather than Naik.

“This has been revealed from the money trail established by ED,” said the statement.

According to the NIA charge Sheet, Naik “deliberately and maliciously insulted the religious beliefs of Hindus, Christians and non-Wahabi Muslims, particularly Shia, Sufi and Barelwis, with an intention of outraging their religious feelings”.

Islamic Research Foundation and Harmony Media had been instrumental in maximum circulation of such incriminating speeches, said the chargesheet, adding that for such activities, Naik was receiving funds from Islamic Research Foundation as well as other unknown sources,” read the chargesheet.

In November 2016, the NIA had registered a case against Naik — who is currently living in Malaysia and has been granted permanent resident status there — under the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The preacher came on the security agencies’ radar after some terrorists, allegedly involved in the attack on a cafe in Dhaka in July 2016, reportedly claimed they were inspired by his speeches.

On November 17, 2016, India declared Naik’s Mumbai-based NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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