Surat: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Surat Sub-Zonal Office, conducted search operations at 13 premises across Gujarat, Delhi, and Haryana under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with an investigation against Arif Ali Amjad Ali Khan and others.

The ED initiated the investigation based on an FIR registered by the Range Forest Officer, Mandvi South Range, Surat Forest Division, under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, regarding the illegal smuggling of Khair wood.

The main allegations include that the accused Mustaq Adam Tasiya, Moh. Tahir Ahmed Hussain and Ors. were involved in illegal cutting of Khair trees from the Wildlife Sanctuaries without permission of the forest authorities, in various districts of Gujarat such as Vyara, Tapi, Surat, Valsad, Navsari and Narmada, transporting and selling them across state borders, thereby destroying and damaging the natural habitat of wildlife and generating Proceeds of Crime.

The search has resulted into recovery and seizure of unexplained cash amounting to Rs. 30 Lakh, various digital devices and incriminating documents. Further investigation is underway. DeshGujarat