Former Maharashtra minister and veteran NCP leader Nawab Malik has suffered a major setback in the money laundering case. A special court of PMLA has framed charges against Nawab Malik. This matter is related to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case of the year 2022.

ED had arrested Nawab Malik in February 2022. It is alleged that with the help of Dawood Ibrahim’s sister Haseena Parkar, he wrongfully took possession of about three acres of land in Kurla, Mumbai. There is an allegation that crime related money of Rs 16 crore was involved in this deal. There has also been an allegation of use of fake documents.

Nawab Malik declared himself innocent

NCP leader Nawab Malik declared himself innocent in the PMLA case related to Dawood Ibrahim’s property, after which the special PMLA court framed charges against him.

During the hearing in the court, Nawab Malik’s lawyer had said that we have filed a petition in the High Court regarding this case. During the last hearing on this petition, ASG Anil Singh had told the High Court that he will give the documents related to this case to the accused party and till then the charge will not be framed.

The court rejected the petition

Earlier, a special court of PMLA had rejected the discharge petition filed by Malik and his company. The discharge petition was filed on behalf of Malik’s company ‘Malik Infrastructure’. On behalf of the company, it was said that the entire ED case is based on guesses and speculations, because the company did not exist at the time the alleged illegal deal took place.

Sufficient primary evidence present in the case – Court

Rejecting the company’s arguments, the court said that there is sufficient primary evidence in the case. The court said that from the preliminary investigation it is clear that Nawab Malik, along with Haseena Parkar, Salim Patel and accused Sardar Khan associated with D-Company, took illegal possession of a valuable plot in Kurla and then tried to legalize it through money laundering. This plot is said to involve criminal proceeds of Rs 16 crore.

Preparations for civic elections are going on in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the meeting of Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) management committee was held under the leadership of former minister Nawab Malik at Mumbai State Office. Nawab Malik has given impetus to the election preparation after getting the responsibility of the post of chairman of the Mumbai Great Council (BMC) Election Management Committee.

Nawab Malik gave necessary guidelines by meeting with the heads of Seva Dal, women, students, OBCs, Social Justice, Cooperative, Unjust workers, Hindi speaking, minority and slum cells.

The meeting was attended by Mumbai Executive President Siddharth Kamble and Shivajirao Nalavade, MLA Sana Malik-Sheikh, former MLA Zishan Siddiqui, State Vice President Bhaskar Vichade, State Spokesperson Sanjay Tatkare, Mumbai Surchitanis Raju Ghuga, invited member South Mumbai District President Mahendra Pansare and Ishanya Mumbai District President Suresh Bhalarao.

BJP has raised the question

The BJP has objected to Nawab Malik’s involvement in the NCP faction of Nawab Malik in the past. In December 2023, the then Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wrote a letter to Ajit Pawar and objected to Malik’s entry into the Mahayuti alliance.

He cited allegations related to treason and terrorism. Before the Maharashtra assembly elections in October 2024, BJP President Ashish Shelar had criticized Ajit Pawar, saying that BJP cannot join those who have serious allegations. He had clarified that BJP would contest elections under the leadership of Eknath Shinde and would not campaign for Malik.

In October 2024, BJP’s Maharashtra President Chandrashekhar Bawankule also reiterated the party’s concerns on Malik’s candidature and raised the issue of his alleged underworld connection. Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya also called Malik a “terrorist” and alleged that Ajit Pawar’s NCP had betrayed the country by giving him tickets.

Look at the next step

Now it will be interesting to see what role of Nawab Malik in the upcoming civic elections and Nawab Malik in the seat sharing and campaigning between Shiv Sena. At present, they are busy strengthening the organization.