A former aviation minister, along with a number of leaders, are seen to be involved in the dealings of assets of Dawood Ibrahim (D Company), a close aide of the mafia Dawood Ibrahim (D Company), amid the heat of assembly elections in Maharashtra. The Enforcement Directorate has started an investigation into the case and is questioning two of Mirchi's associates. However, the ED has not yet revealed any names.
The three buildings named Rabia Mansion, Maryam Lodge and Sea View in Worli area were signed in 2010 for about Rs 225 crore. Earlier these three buildings were named after a trust associated with Dawood. After the Mumbai blast, they were illegally named after Mirchi. Mirchi, who handled Dawood's drug business, died in 2013.
Iqbal Mirchi's two associates Aaron Yusuf and Ranjit Singh Bindra were arrested by the ED on 11 October. A local court has remanded the duo to ED custody till 15 October. Both of them played a key role in the sale of the buildings. The ED is questioning them and trying to confirm the relationship between the leaders and businessmen associated with the deal. Possibilities of seizing these properties are also being explored under the new rule. Both of them are accused of money laundering.
The Enforcement Directorate has identified Iqbal Mirchi's benami assets including 10 properties in Mumbai, one property in the United Arab Emirates and 25 properties in the UK. Officials said Aaron Alim Yusuf and Ranjit Singh Bindra were arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act for allegedly not cooperating in the investigation in the case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had registered a criminal case of money laundering against Yusuf and Bindra based on an FIR lodged by the Mumbai Police against Mirchi and others.
