Hasan Ali looted Nizam’s jewels from Salar Jung Museum

Hyderabad, May 4: It seems there is more trouble brewing for India"s greatest

. After massive money laundering and tax evasion charges were slapped on him, the Central Crime Station (CCS) officials have booked Hasan Ali on charges of apparently stealing and selling precious artefacts of the Nizam of Hyderabad. The priceless articles were housed in the famed Salar Jung Museum.

Complaints have been filed against Hasan Ali, his associate Kashinath Tapuriah, Nasir Baig (manager of Salar Jung Museum), Ram Bharoz Gupta (jewellery shop owner from Basheerbagh), and Phillips Anandraj a senior employee of the museum for stealing the antique jewellery and other artefacts. The Enforcement Directorate officials met with CCS officials and officially lodged a complaint against these parties.

Now Hasan Ali and company will face fresh charges under Sections 406, 420, 379, 411, 120-B of the IPC and Section 25 of the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972.

The incident came to light when ED officials were probing the money laundering charges which revealed that Hasan Ali was also involved in the siphoning of valuables form the Nizam"s coffers and managed to sell it in the open market. He is also alleged to have had a close association with the museum manager Nasir Baig and other officials who helped him make way with such precious items from within the museum.

After interrogation, Hasan Ali is believed to have said to ED officials that Nasir Baig held the power of attorney for the Nizam of Hyderabad. With further damning information emerging, it was revealed that the accused Phillip Anandraj was closely acquainted with Tapuriah that led to Hasan Ali having access to a locker in Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS), Zurich that allegedly contained rare jewels. Ali apparently opened another locker in the same bank to move the jewels.

Hasan Ali is alleged to have earned Rs 40 to 50 lakhs by selling the antique jewellery. Hyderabad"s City Commissioner of police A K Khan has registered a case based on ED"s complaint and said, "In his statement, Hasan Ali said that he procured antique items from the museum through one Nasir Baig and we are investigating into that."

OneIndia News