Terror Funding Case: ED attaches immovable assets worth Rs 6 crore of Zahoor Watali

New Delhi (India) Apr 16 (ANI): The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday attached properties worth Rs. 6.19 crore belonging to Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali in connection with the terror funding case involving Lakshar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief 26/11 attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed.
The properties were attached under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
“During investigations under PMLA, it is revealed that the Hurriyat leaders have received funds from Pakistan through conduits and also from the Pakistan High Commission directly. This was substantiated by an incriminating document seized from the house of Ghulam Mohammad Bhatt,” the ED said in a statement.
Bhatt worked as the cashier-cum-accountant with Watali.
“The document clearly indicates that Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali was receiving money from Hafiz Saeed, ISI, Pakistan High Commission at New Delhi and also from a source based in Dubai. Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali was remitting the same to the Hurriyat leaders, separatists and stone-pelters of Jammu & Kashmir,” the ED stated further.
Watali is lodged in Tihar jail in connection with the case which is being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
ED initiated an investigation under PMLA based on the basis of a charge sheet filed by NIA against Watali and others including Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin. Watali has been found to be involved in fundraising and as a financial conduit for Hurriyat Leaders.
According to an ED release NIA investigation also revealed that the All Party Hurriyat Conference and other secessionists instigate the general public, especially the youth, to observe strikes and issue directives to the masses to hold anti-India protests, demonstrations and processions through press releases, newspapers and social media. (ANI)