Ex-MLC Declared Fugitive: ₹1000 Crore Sugar Mills Seized

A Lucknow PMLA court declared former UP MLC Mohd Iqbal a fugitive economic offender, ordering the confiscation of sugar mills worth ₹1,000 crore. The mills were allegedly acquired through illegal funds from mining. Iqbal fled India and is currently in Dubai, evading multiple summons and a non-bailable warrant.

A special PMLA court in Lucknow has taken decisive action against Mohd Iqbal, a former Uttar Pradesh MLC, by declaring him a fugitive economic offender. The court has ordered the confiscation of sugar mills controlled by him, valued at about ₹1,000 crore, following the ED's money laundering probe.

Special Judge Rahul Prakash's order under the Fugitive Economic Offender Act marked a significant turn in the case, with three sugar mills acquired through alleged illegal activities facing confiscation. The ED claimed these mills were bought through shell companies, utilizing funds from illicit mining.

Currently based in Dubai, Iqbal fled India, ignoring multiple summons from authorities. The government's FEOA aims to address fraud involving at least ₹100 crore, putting offenders like Iqbal in the spotlight. His past tenure as a BSP MLC and alleged corruption activities have now culminated in this crucial judicial intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)