Unveiling the Controversial World of Illegal Halal Certification: STF’s Probe and ED’s Investigation

Halal 0 Sixteen NineUnveiling the UP STF Halal Certification Investigation: Probing Companies Linked to Halal Certifying Organizations

In recent developments, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF) has expanded its scrutiny to include companies associated with organizations issuing Halal certificates. The STF initiated an inquiry into 18 companies after serving notices to their directors, revealing that a significant portion of the earnings from Halal certification was being funneled through these entities. The investigation has further confirmed that all these institutions were illegally distributing Halal certificates.

Halal Certification Controversy and the ED’s Interrogation

Amidst the turmoil, it is anticipated that directors of these 18 companies might disclose crucial information. The STF, delving deep into the matter, is set to question these directors on the unlawful aspects of Halal certification, adding another layer to the investigation. Notably, officers from various government departments involved in granting permission to distribute certificates are also under the STF’s scrutiny, expanding the scope of the inquiry.

Enforcement Directorate’s Probe into the Certification Process

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is gearing up to investigate companies issuing Halal certificates. Concerns about financial irregularities amounting to billions in this matter have been raised. The ED aims to meticulously examine the illicit financial transactions related to Halal certification, contributing to the comprehensive inquiry.

Terror Funding Suspicions: A Critical Evaluation of Companies in UP

Questions arise: Are the companies providing Halal certificates in Uttar Pradesh involved in terror funding? Were the funds generated through Halal certification contributing to anti-national activities? To address these queries, the UP government, led by Yogi Adityanath, has tasked the UP Police to gather evidence. It is suggested that the STF has already made significant progress in reaching the core of this matter.

Interrogation of Mufti Mahmood and Ongoing Investigations

Notably, Mufti Mahmood, Chief of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Halal Trust, recently underwent six hours of questioning by the UP Police’s Special Task Force in Lucknow. This interrogation was part of the ongoing investigation into the illicit issuance of Halal certificates. The STF had sought clarification from Mahmood after allegations of his trust being involved in the fraudulent distribution of Halal certificates surfaced. Further questioning of Mahmood may be necessary based on the evolving circumstances.

Four Arrests Made and Continuing Investigations

The STF team previously arrested four individuals associated with the Halal Council of India. Despite lacking official recognition from any government body, this organization was illicitly distributing Halal certificates. The STF has now extended its investigation to 18 companies, and officials from these entities will have to account for their actions.

Government Actions: Bans and Raids

In response to the controversy, the Uttar Pradesh government initially imposed a ban on products carrying Halal certificates. Subsequently, raids were conducted on the offices of organizations involved in Halal certification. Teams from the UP Food Department seized Halal-certified products in various cities, intensifying the crackdown.

From FIR to the 18 Companies Under Scrutiny

The controversy started last year with an FIR filed at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow against four companies issuing Halal certificates. These companies were Halal India Private Limited (Chennai), Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Halal Trust (Delhi), Halal Council of India (Mumbai), and Jamiat Ulema Maharashtra (Mumbai). The investigation has now broadened its focus to include 18 companies, raising the stakes in the inquiry.

Current Status of the Case: What Has Transpired So Far?

Initially, the Yogi government placed a ban on products with Halal certificates in Uttar Pradesh. Subsequently, raids were conducted at the offices of organizations involved in Halal certification, and teams from the UP Food Department seized Halal-certified products across different cities.

National Security at Serious Risk: The Ongoing Threats

Before these recent developments, a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs raised concerns about the direct links of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind with terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Indian Mujahideen. Due to the serious national security implications, the Home Ministry requested investigations by the NIA, ED, and CBI into Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind’s activities. With the focus on illegal activities related to Halal certification, the UP Police’s STF may become a critical player in the larger picture of national security.

Controversies Surrounding Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind

In the midst of this series of events, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Halal Trust’s Chief, Mahmood Madani, has already undergone questioning. In April of the previous year, a petition was filed before the Central Home Ministry, demanding an investigation into the organization’s alleged connections with terrorist outfits. This demand was based on claims that Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind had provided legal assistance to more than 700 individuals accused of terrorism by March 2022 and played a role in acquitting 192 of them.

End your journey through this investigative maze with a profound conclusion, understanding the potential repercussions and the need for a thorough inquiry.

In conclusion, the UP STF’s investigation into companies associated with Halal certifying organizations brings to light a complex web of illicit activities. The potential links to terror funding and the compromise of national security underscore the gravity of the situation. The UP Police, through its Special Task Force, is diligently working to unravel the layers of this controversy. The government’s proactive measures, including bans and raids, signify a commitment to ensuring the integrity of certification processes. As the investigation progresses, it raises questions not only about financial impropriety but also about potential threats to national security.