New Delhi: In another step in the money laundering probe against Nitin and Chetan Sandesara, fugitive promoters of Gujarat-based Sandesara group, Enforcement Directorate on Friday attached assets worth around Rs 9 crore belonging to Irfan Siddiqui, son-in-law of Congress’s late leader Ahmed Patel, Bollywood stars Dino Morea and Sanjay Khan, and DJ Aqeel.

“Investigation revealed that Sandesaras have diverted proceeds of crime of Rs 3 crore, Rs 1.4 crore, Rs 12.54 crore and Rs 3.51 crore to Sanjay Khan, Dino Morea, Aqeel Bachooali and Irfan Ahmed Siddiqui respectively,” the ED said. With this, the value of total attachments in the case has reached Rs 14,522 crore. The agency has estimated the value of ‘proceeds of crime’ at Rs 16,000 crore.

The Sandesara brothers, wanted for siphoning off Rs 16,000 crore from government banks, fled to Nigeria with their family in 2017. The siblings, who have since been declared fugitive economic offenders, with non-bailable warrants and two red corner notices issued by Interpol pending against them, have been shuttling between countries which they consider to be outside the grasp of India’s agencies. Interpol has issued red corner notices against two members of the Sandesara family.

Before his death, Patel, too, was questioned multiple times in connection with financial dealings he, his son Faisal and son-in-law Irfan had with Sandesara brothers.

“Eight properties, three vehicles and several bank accounts having total value of Rs 8.79 crore have been attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in the case,” the ED said. The agency has filed a prosecution complaint and four supplementary chargesheets and arrested four persons. Nitin Sandesara, Chetan Sandesara, Dipti Che-tan Sandesara and Hitesh Patel have been declared fugitives by a special PMLA court.

Sonu Nigam's recent rant on the use of loudspeakers for religious practices, which sparked a controversy on social media, has been receiving mixed reactions. The singer questioned the use of loudspeakers for prayers in mosques, temples and gurudwaras.

Yesterday, former minister Ahmed Patel commented on the issue, through his Twitter account. He said, “Azaan is an essential ingredient for Namaz. In today's day of modern technology , loudspeakers aren't.“ (sic) Sonu agreed with the politician and tweeted in response, “This is how sensible people interpret an issue. Respect Mr Ahmed Patel. It is not about Azaan or Aarti. It's about loudspeakers (sic).“

Sonu also responded to music composer Wajid Khan (of Sajid-Wajid duo), who was upset with his comments. Wajid put up a series of tweets, which read, “I'm hurt as my dearest brother @sonunigam tweeted such words about #Azaan n not being a Muslim #Gundagiri knowing U never expected ths not U. v know each other for more than 25 years n today the whole day I kept gettng calls about Ur tweets but I was speechless. I agree that everyone has thr own point of view but that can be said without hurting others sentiments. hope u'll understand whr comng frm (sic).“ To this, Sonu replied, “Dear @wajidkhan7. If for once u stop being a Muslim & simply be a citizen of India, u will see what everyone is truly talking about. Love (sic).“

Richa Chadha, in reply to Sonu's tweet, said, “People will misunderstand your tweet n give it a communal tinge, only those who know you will know you mean not to stoke a fire. Sonu, we all get a lil noisy here! I live 5 minutes from u, I'm sure u hear item songs blaring in the name of processions. Had to soundproof (sic)!“ Others who spoke out on the controversy included Pooja Bhatt, who posted, “I wake each morning to the sound of church bells & the Azaan in a quiet by-lane of Bandra. I light an aggarbatti & salute the spirit of India (sic).“

Meanwhile, Sonu stands by his views. He wrote, “Dear everyone. Your stand exposes your own IQ. I stand by my statement that loudspeakers should not be allowed in Mosques & Temples. Period (sic).“