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ED Gets Custody of Two in Salim Dola Mephedrone Probe
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating whether money from an alleged drug trade was hidden or used to buy things.
A Mumbai court allowed investigators to question two men, Pravin Shinde and Brijesh Moradiya, while they remain in custody until October 8.
The agency says the men may have been connected to a group linked to mephedrone, an illegal drug.
It says Shinde’s property purchases and the men’s bank transactions need to be examined.
Moradiya’s lawyer said his client’s chemical business was legal and that investigators already had relevant records.
The court said there was enough initial material to allow further questioning.
The allegations have not been established as facts in a trial.
A Mumbai court granted the Enforcement Directorate custody of Pravin alias Nagesh Ramchandra Shinde and Brijesh Kanjibhai Moradiya until October 8.
The ED is investigating alleged money laundering linked to a drug syndicate operated by Salim Dola and associates.
The agency alleges Shinde had links to Salim Dola and Taher Dola and acquired properties in relatives’ names using suspected crime proceeds.
The ED alleges Moradiya was involved in mephedrone manufacture and trafficking and is investigating suspected proceeds of Rs 2.77 crore and Rs 30.09 crore.
The defence disputed the allegations and necessity of custody, but the court found prima facie grounds for custodial interrogation.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate, and accused Pravin alias Nagesh Ramchandra Shinde and Brijesh Kanjibhai Moradiya.
- What
- A court granted the ED custody of Shinde and Moradiya in a money-laundering investigation linked to alleged mephedrone trafficking.
- Where
- Mumbai; the two men had been lodged at Arthur Road Prison.
- When
- The orders were passed on October 6, with custody granted until October 8.
- Why
- The court found prima facie material and said custodial interrogation was needed to investigate alleged syndicate links, bank transactions and suspected proceeds of crime.
ED’s allegations and case for custody
Defence objections
Alleged syndicate links and proceeds
ED’s allegations and case for custody
The ED alleged both men had links to Salim Dola and Taher Dola and that there was prima facie material indicating their involvement in mephedrone manufacture, trafficking or use of crime proceeds.
Defence objections
Moradiya’s defence said there was no material showing he benefited from crime proceeds or engaged in criminal activity, and that his bank transactions related to legitimate chemical-procurement and supply work.
Need for custodial interrogation
ED’s allegations and case for custody
The ED said it needed to investigate property purchases, bank entries, funds and links to other accused, including people not yet apprehended.
Defence objections
Moradiya’s counsel argued that the ED already had bank statements and search materials and had recorded his statement under the PMLA, making custody unnecessary.
Key facts
- Investigating agency
- Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- Court
- Special PMLA Court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge S V Sahare
- Order date
- October 6
- Custody period
- Until October 8
- Accused
- Pravin alias Nagesh Ramchandra Shinde and Brijesh Kanjibhai Moradiya
- Alleged drug
- Mephedrone
- Amounts under investigation
- The ED cited alleged proceeds of Rs 2.77 crore and Rs 30.09 crore in Moradiya’s case.
Sources
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