In a series of raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at the premises of Samajwadi Party MLA Irfan Solanki, his brother, and associates, cash amounting to Rs 26 lakh and various incriminating documents, including handwritten diaries detailing illegal receipts, were seized.
According to a leading newswire, the raids, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), also led to the confiscation of digital devices, evidence of investments in partnerships, land deals, cash expenses adding around Rs 40-50 crore, and indications of a Rs 5 crore property investment in Mumbai.
The day-long search took place at six locations in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur and Maharashtra’s Mumbai. The targeted locations included the residences of Irfan Solanki, his brother Rizwan Solanki, and real estate builders Shaukat Ali and Haji Wasi in Kanpur.
The investigation by ED stemmed from FIRs registered by Kanpur City Police against Irfan Solanki and associates under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986. The charges include extortion, land grabbing of private and government land, including Nazrul property, illegal construction, and sale.
Additionally, the agency stated that Irfan Solanki was allegedly involved in facilitating the settlement of illegal Bangladeshi migrants in India by obtaining Aadhar cards based on false documents. The ED investigation uncovered the creation of fake business entities to channel illegal money, presenting it as legitimate business income.
During the search, it was revealed that Irfan Solanki and Rizwan Solanki reside in lavish three-story bungalows spanning over 1,000 square meters. Considering that the proceeds of crime were used in constructing the houses, their valuation during the search exceeded Rs 10 crore, as per the ED statement.
