The Thane flat was allegedly taken from a builder under duress, reflecting the underworld’s influence in real estate dealings
Team Clarion
THANE — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized a flat in Thane, Maharashtra, linked to Iqbal Kaskar, the brother of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, as part of its ongoing money laundering investigation. The flat in the upscale Neopolis Building in Thane West is valued at ₹55 lakh.
Tuesday’s action marks another development in the ED’s crackdown on assets connected to Dawood Ibrahim’s network, shedding light on allegations of criminal coercion and illegal property acquisitions.
The ED confirmed that the flat was attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in 2022 through a provisional order. This attachment was later upheld by the PMLA tribunal, enabling the agency to take formal possession of the property. Sources revealed that the possession process was completed recently, signifying a significant step in the agency’s investigation.
An ED official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “This seizure is a result of meticulous investigation and evidence collection. It underscores our commitment to tackling economic offences and dismantling the financial operations of organised crime networks.”
The flat in question was reportedly acquired through coercion and intimidation by Kaskar and his associates. According to the ED’s findings, Thane-based real estate developer Suresh Devi Chand Mehta was forced to hand over the property to the accused.
A statement from the ED elaborated, “Mehta, a construction entrepreneur running the firm Darshan Enterprises, was coerced by Iqbal Kaskar and his associates, including Mumtaz Sheikh and Israr Ali Jamil Saeed. The property was transferred to Mumtaz Sheikh under duress, facilitated by Kaskar’s proximity to Dawood Ibrahim.”
Iqbal Kaskar, long accused of leveraging his Dawood Ibrahim connection, has been under scrutiny for his alleged role in various extortion and money laundering cases. Kaskar is believed to have used intimidation tactics to build a network of assets, often exploiting vulnerable individuals and businesses.
This is not the first time Kaskar’s dealings have come under the scanner. His name has surfaced in multiple cases involving coercion, extortion, and illegal transfer of property, further implicating him in a larger web of criminal activity associated with his brother’s underworld empire.
The victim, Suresh Mehta, reportedly suffered significant financial and emotional distress due to the coercion. A close associate of Mehta commented, “This was not just a financial loss; it was a violation of his rights as a law-abiding citizen. Such acts create a climate of fear in the business community.”
The attachment of the property brings a sense of justice to those affected by Kaskar’s alleged actions. However, it also raises questions about the ease with which criminal networks operate in the real estate sector.
The news of the flat’s seizure has drawn mixed reactions. Many applauded the ED’s efforts to combat financial crimes, while others expressed concern over the deeper nexus between crime and business in urban areas.
A local resident remarked, “These investigations are crucial for sending a message that no one is above the law, regardless of their connections or influence. We hope this will deter others from engaging in similar crimes.”
This case highlights the challenges faced by enforcement agencies in dismantling entrenched criminal networks. The financial dealings of the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate, often shrouded in secrecy and intimidation, have long posed a challenge for authorities.
Legal experts believe that the ED’s actions in this case set a precedent for future investigations into illicit property acquisitions. Advocate Rajesh Kumar stated, “This is a welcome move. It reinforces the efficacy of laws like the PMLA in addressing the financial dimensions of organised crime. However, sustained efforts and inter-agency cooperation are needed to ensure justice is served.”
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on the ED to see how it further unravels the financial web associated with Dawood Ibrahim’s operations, a task which is as challenging as it is critical for restoring faith in the rule of law.
