ED Conducts Raids in Mallegav Vote Jihad Funding Case, Seizes ₹13 Crore in Cash

Mumbai: In connection with the FIR filed against the Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids at various locations, including Mumbai and Ahmedabad. During the raids on Friday, the ED seized ₹13 crore in cash. The raids were initiated following a complaint filed by BJP leader and former Member of Parliament Kirit Somaiya, which led to the Election Commission registering a case at the Azad Maidan police station.

Last month, during the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections, Somaiya had alleged the operation of a "vote jihad" and accused the group of misusing the bank accounts of Hindu youth for raising funds. Based on his complaint, Somaiya had urged the Enforcement Directorate to investigate suspicious financial transactions amounting to ₹125 crore in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Subsequently, the ED conducted searches at multiple locations related to these claims. On November 18, Somaiya's complaint led to the registration of a case under Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, 1951, and 1989 against Fakir Mohammad Thakur of the Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh at Azad Maidan Police Station.