Lucknow | The Lucknow Zonal Office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken major action in a money laundering case by filing a prosecution complaint against former MLA Arif Anwar Hashmi and his wife Rozy Salma. The complaint was submitted before the Court of Special Judge, CBI ED, Court No. 2, Lucknow on February 23, 2026, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Both accused have been charged with converting proceeds of crime into legitimate assets.
The ED initiated its investigation based on First Information Reports registered by the Uttar Pradesh Police under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. During the investigation, it was revealed that several cases related to illegal encroachment, cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy were registered against Arif Anwar Hashmi and his associates. Charge sheets were also filed in the police investigation, which claimed to have found sufficient evidence supporting the allegations.
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The probe further found that large amounts of cash were deposited in the bank accounts of the former MLA and his wife, which were inconsistent with their declared sources of income. According to the investigating agency, the accused were asked to explain the source of these cash deposits, but they failed to provide a satisfactory and lawful explanation. It is suspected that this money was later used for acquiring immovable properties.
The Enforcement Directorate alleged that Arif Anwar Hashmi and Rozy Salma generated approximately ₹8.24 crore as proceeds of crime through scheduled offences. Based on the evidence collected during the investigation, the ED had issued a provisional attachment order on September 24, 2024, seizing the properties of both accused persons.
The attached assets include agricultural land, residential plots and flats, with the total estimated value of the properties being ₹8.24 crore. A total of 21 immovable properties are located across Balrampur, Lucknow and Gonda districts of Uttar Pradesh. The investigating agency claims that these properties were purchased using funds allegedly generated through criminal activities.
During the proceedings, the Adjudicating Authority constituted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act confirmed the provisional attachment order through its decision dated March 3, 2025. Following this order, the seizure of the properties has obtained legal validity, and the assets will remain under investigation.
According to ED officials, the investigation in the case is still ongoing. The financial transactions of the accused, the methods used for property acquisition, and the possible role of associates are also being examined. The agency has stated that further legal action will be decided after the completion of the investigation.
This action is considered part of the ongoing crackdown against money laundering and illegal financial activities. Documents and evidence related to the case are being scrutinized, while the prosecution complaint filed in the concerned court is also scheduled for future hearings.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
