14 March,2024 09:52 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Representational Pic/File
A special court has rejected a plea of NCP leader and Maharashtra ex-minister Nawab Malik's son-in-law Sameer Khan seeking the de-freezing of his bank accounts blocked by the Narcotics Control Bureau in a drug-related case.
The NCB is in the process of identifying and seizing the 'illegally acquired' properties under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act. In such a case, the application cannot be allowed, the court said in its order of March 12.
The NCB had arrested Khan on January 13, 2021, for alleged possession of drugs. He spent six months in jail before securing bail from the special court set up for cases under the NDPS Act.
In his latest plea moved before Special Judge A V Kharkar, Khan said that the money in these bank accounts has no links with the narcotics trade.
ALSO READ
CR to operate mega block on Sunday, check details
Cash-for-votes case: Accused held from Guj sent to ED custody till Nov 29
Foreign national held in Mumbai for smuggling cocaine worth Rs 34.96 crore
Peon on poll duty booked for misguiding elderly voter in Maharashtra's Kalyan town
Man held for snatching gold chain from woman on Mumbai local train
While his tenants deposit their annual rent in these accounts, he is unable to get any income from these legitimate sources due to the freeze, Khan said.
The NCB opposed the plea, saying they are investigating the matter and identifying the "illegally acquired" properties in connection with this case under the provision of the NDPS Act.
The court accepted the federal anti-drug agency's submission and rejected Khan's plea.
The NCB has claimed Khan had conspired to procure, sell, purchase and transport 194.6 kilograms of ganja.
It has booked Khan and others for dealing with commercial quantities of the drug, a crime that carries a maximum punishment of 20 years.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever