The National Investigation Agency (NIA) swooped on more than a dozen locations in Mumbai linked with Pakistan-based wanted terrorist Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar’s associates, drug peddlers, and hawala operators, here on Monday.
NIA teams carried out simultaneous raids in Mumbai and Thane locations like Nagpada, Bhendi Bazaar, Mazagaon, Parel, Mahim, Santacruz, Kurla, Goregaon, Borivali, Mumbra (Thane), and other places. Among those raided are a Trustee of a prominent dargah, some sharpshooters, hawala dealers, and other gangsters.
Chota Shakeel’s aide Salim Qureshi alias Salim Fruit was detained during the raid. “The NIA picked up Qureshi, husband of Shakeel’s sister-in-law, from his residence in the Bhendi Bazar area of south Mumbai”, an official said.
“Several hawala operators and drug peddlers were associated with Ibrahim and the NIA had registered (a case) in this regard in February. Raids began today,” a statement from the federal agency was cited by ANI.
The central investigative agency had lodged its FIR in February naming Nawab Malik, minister in the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government and close aide of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, along with others in the Dawood Ibrahim money laundering case. Malik was arrested by the ED (Enforcement Directorate).
(With IANS inputs)
