ED Seeks Confiscation of ₹45.92 Lakh in Artificial Limbs Grant Misuse Case Involving Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust.

Headnote:

The Directorate of Enforcement, Lucknow Zonal Office, has filed a Prosecution Complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, seeking confiscation of properties worth ₹45.92 lakh and conviction of the accused persons in connection with the alleged misuse of government funds meant for the distribution of artificial limbs and equipment. The Special PMLA Court, Lucknow, has taken cognizance of the complaint.

Background:

• ED filed the Prosecution Complaint on 11.08.2025 against Dr. Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, Ms. Louise Khurshid (wife of Salman Khurshid), and Mohammad Athar.

• The case relates to alleged money laundering arising out of misuse of government grant-in-aid funds allocated for conducting camps for distribution of artificial limbs and equipment.

• The funds were allegedly diverted for the personal gain of the accused and the interests of the Trust.

Origin of Investigation

• ED initiated investigation based on 17 FIRs registered by the Economic Offences Wing of Uttar Pradesh Police.

• The FIRs were registered against Pratyush Shukla, a representative of the Trust, and others.

• Chargesheets were filed by the Police in all 17 cases against:

1. Athar Farooqui alias Mohammad Athar, then Secretary of the Trust, and
2. Ms. Louise Khurshid, then Project Director of the Trust.

Findings of ED Investigation

• ED investigation revealed that the Trust received a grant-in-aid of ₹71.50 lakh from the Central Government.

• The funds were not utilised for holding camps as sanctioned.

• Instead, the funds were allegedly diverted by Pratyush Shukla, Mohammad Athar, and Ms. Louise Khurshid for the benefit of the Trust and for their personal gains.

Attachment of Proceeds of Crime

• ED had earlier provisionally attached assets amounting to ₹45.92 lakh, comprising:

1. 15 immovable properties in the form of agricultural land located in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, valued at ₹29.51 lakh, and
2. ₹16.41 lakh lying in four bank accounts linked to the Trust.

Present Status

• Prosecution Complaint was filed on 11.08.2025.

• The Special PMLA Court, Lucknow, has taken cognizance of the complaint on 25.11.2025.

• Proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 are underway.

Legal Provisions Involved:

• Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 – Offence of money laundering and confiscation of proceeds of crime.

• Predicate offences registered under applicable provisions invoked by the Economic Offences Wing, Uttar Pradesh Police.