BENGALURU: A Pakistani terrorist convicted of illegally laundering money in India has been sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment after more than a decade-long legal battle.
Fahad Hai, who was arrested in 2006 from Mysuru was convicted by Principal City Civil and Sessions Judge Basavaraj S Sappannanavar here on Tuesday. This is the first case where a Pakistani national has been convicted under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), said Enforcement Directorate (ED).
In 2006, the intelligence agencies had shared information about terrorists from Pakistan planning activities in Mysuru.
A police squad kept watch near the high tension power line at Vijaynagar Ring Road, Mysuru.
On October 26, 2006, the on-duty police officer noticed two persons coming on a two-wheeler around 11.45 pm. When intercepted and enquired about their names, the pillion rider informed that he knew only Hindi. One of the police officers showed his identity card and asked them in Hindi to get down. Immediately the pillion rider jumped and took out a rifle from the bag kept on his lap and fired on the police squad.
Another police squad rushed for help and the cops together overpowered the pillion rider and apprehended both the persons. They identified themselves as Pakistani nationals. Md Ali Hussain and the pillion rider Md Fahad were illegally residing at No. 186, 4th Cross, Rajiv Nagar, Udaygiri in Mysuru.
Further probe revealed that they were active members of the banned Al-Badr organisation and had entered India without any valid travel documents. They also possessed AK 47 rifle, pistol, live bullets without any license, mobile and satellite phones.
They were subsequently charged under several sections of the IPC, Indian Arms Act, 1959, Foreigners Registration Act and Explosive substance Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
Based on the above charge sheet, investigation was initiated under PMLA by the Enforcement Directorate. An amount of Rs 50,492 (Rs 44,174 plus interest accrued) was attached.
Prosecution complaint was filed by counsel S Mahesh on behalf of the Directorate, in the Principal City Civil and Sessions Court and Special Court under the PMLA. The Court convicted the accused under PMLA and confiscated the attached amount.