In a new development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a charge sheet against Louise Khurshid, the wife of former Union Minister and Congress leader Salman Khurshid. The ED alleges that Rs 71.50 lakh of government funds meant for distributing artificial limbs were misused by her social organization in Uttar Pradesh.
The Special Court (PMLA) in Lucknow has acknowledged the charge sheet filed by the ED against Dr. Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, Louise Khurshid, and Mohammad Athar. Earlier, the ED had provisionally attached 15 immovable properties valued at Rs 29.51 lakh, including agricultural land in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, and Rs 16.41 lakh from four bank accounts associated with the Trust.
According to the ED’s Prosecution Complaint (PC) filed on August 11, 2025, the agency sought the confiscation of properties worth Rs 45.92 lakh and the conviction of the accused. The ED’s investigation revealed alleged money laundering activities by Louise Khurshid, Dr. Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, and Mohammad Athar in connection with the misuse of government funds for personal gains through the distribution of artificial limbs and equipment.
The ED’s probe was initiated based on 17 FIRs filed by the Uttar Pradesh Police’s Economic Offences Wing against Pratyush Shukla, a representative of Dr. Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, and others. Charge sheets have been submitted in all 17 cases against Athar Farooqui, also known as Mohammed Athar, who was the Trust’s Secretary at the time, and Louise Khurshid, the then project Director.
It was found during the investigation that the Trust did not utilize the Rs 71.50 lakh grant-in-aid received for conducting camps as approved by the Central Government. Instead, the funds were allegedly diverted by Pratyush Shukla, Mohammad Athar, and Louise Khurshid for the Trust’s benefit and personal interests.
