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ED : Files Money Laundering Case Over Forced Property Transfers Linked to Nayeemuddin
Rekha Prajapati | January 29, 2026 12:27 PM CST

ED: The Enforcement Directorate has filed a prosecution complaint against 10 individuals accused of laundering money through the coercive transfer of land and real estate allegedly linked to the late gangster Nayeemuddin. The case, submitted on Wednesday, names several of his associates and family members and centers on claims that property owners were intimidated into signing over assets without receiving payment.

Complaint Filed Under Anti-Money Laundering Law

According to officials, the complaint was filed by the Hyderabad Zonal Office of the Enforcement Directorate under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. Those named include Pasham Srinivas, Haseena Begum, Mohammed Thahera Begum, Mohammed Saleema Begum, Mohammed Abdul Saleem, Ahela Begum, Syed Nilofar, Firdous Anjum, Mohammed Arif, and Heena Kousar. The Special Court for Money Laundering Cases in Rangareddy district took cognizance of the complaint on January 21, 2026.

Origins of the Investigation

The money laundering probe was initiated following a first information report registered by the Telangana Police. The FIR accused several individuals of forcibly occupying land and arranging sales under threat, allegedly at the direction of Nayeemuddin and his network. In parallel, the Enforcement Directorate received a formal reference from the Income Tax Department, which had taken action under the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988.

This reference was based on findings shared by a Special Investigation Team constituted by the Telangana government to examine immovable properties believed to have been illegally acquired by the late gangster and his associates.

Alleged Pattern of Coercion and Intimidation

Investigators allege that Nayeemuddin, working with close aides and relatives, systematically targeted valuable properties. Owners were allegedly threatened with harm to themselves or their families unless they agreed to sell or transfer assets to individuals linked to the gang. In several cases, victims were reportedly abducted or detained to pressure them into appearing at sub-registrar offices to complete registrations.

Officials say the transfers were presented as legitimate sales, even though the original owners received no financial consideration. The intimidation was reportedly severe enough that many victims refrained from approaching law enforcement or other authorities at the time.

Role of Key Associate Highlighted

The Enforcement Directorate has described Pasham Srinivas as a central figure in executing the scheme. Investigators allege he worked closely with Nayeemuddin to identify properties, coordinate intimidation, and manage the registration process. His responsibilities allegedly included ensuring that assets were formally recorded in the names of the gangster’s family members or trusted associates.

Properties Identified as Proceeds of Crime

The probe has identified a total of 91 properties that were allegedly transferred through coercion. These assets, officials say, qualify as proceeds of crime under the anti-money laundering law. While the Enforcement Directorate did not attach the properties during its investigation, this was because the Income Tax Department had already placed them under attachment using benami property legislation.

Despite this, the agency has sought confiscation of the attached properties to the Central Government through its prosecution complaint, arguing that the assets were acquired through criminal activity and subsequently projected as lawful holdings.

Legal Process Moves Forward

With the court having taken cognizance, the case is expected to proceed through judicial scrutiny in the coming months. Authorities maintain that the prosecution complaint reflects the scale of the alleged operation and underscores the use of property transactions as a tool to legitimize criminal proceeds.


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