Mumbai Court Rejects Discharge Plea in NCP Leader Nawab Malik's Real Estate Case

A special court in Mumbai has rejected the discharge plea of a real estate company run by former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Nawab Malik, stating there is sufficient material on record to frame charges. The special judge, Satyanarayan R Navander, observed that Nawab Malik, in collusion with D-Company members like Haseena Parkar, Salim Patel, and accused Sardar Khan, participated in the laundering of illegally acquired property, which constitutes proceeds of crime. Additionally, rent collected through Solidus Investments Pvt Ltd and Malik Infrastructure, both controlled by the Malik family, also constitutes proceeds of crime.

The court has decided to proceed with framing charges against all the accused, including Malik, Solidus Investments, Malik Infrastructure, and Sardar Khan, with the next hearing scheduled for the following week.

Malik Infrastructure, a firm owned by Nawab Malik, his son Amir, and his wife Mehjbeen, had sought discharge in April last year, claiming no involvement in the alleged land deal. The firm argued that it had an agreement with Solidus Investments Pvt Ltd to collect rent for only one part of the Kurla Goawala Compound and was not involved in the illegal acts.

However, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) prosecutor, Sunil Gonsalves, opposed the plea, arguing that the firm's submissions were untenable. The prosecution contended that Malik Infrastructure is essentially a family-run entity, represented by Nawab Malik himself, and effectively steps into the shoes of Solidus Investments. Both firms are only different on paper for taxation and administrative purposes and cannot be treated as separate entities in matters of criminal liability.

The prosecution also pointed out that the Appellate Tribunal, on November 13, 2024, had stated that the possession of the property would remain with Malik Infrastructure, subject to the outcome of the trial. The tribunal directed both parties to maintain the status quo regarding possession, and the attachment has neither been quashed nor set aside.

The court, considering the prosecution's objections, rejected the discharge plea, stating, 'There exists sufficient material on record to frame charges against all the accused for offenses punishable under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.' According to the prosecution, Malik conspired with other accused, including Dawood's sister Haseena Parkar, Salim Patel, and Sardar Khan, to illegally usurp properties in the Goawala compound in Kurla from Manira Plumber and her family.

A portion of the Goawala Compound land was owned by Karimbhai Patel through his company, Solidus. The ED alleged that the takeover was intended to usurp the entire Goawala Compound.