The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday arrested Shadab alias Dumpi, an aide of the late gangster Mukhtar Ansari, in connection with the high-profile BSNL diesel supply scam, officials said. Dumpi, accused of embezzling Rs 100 crore, had been a fugitive reportedly residing in Dubai before returning to India. Upon arrival from Mumbai, he was taken into custody by Lucknow police and handed over to the ED.
Sources said Dumpi was the mastermind of the fraud and a key member of the notorious IS 191 gang. His arrest is expected to provide major disclosures regarding the scam and the gang’s operations.
According to ED findings, Dumpi secured the diesel supply contract for BSNL towers through Vikas Construction, a company linked to Mukhtar Ansari and his associates. Investigators allege that the tender process involved large-scale manipulation, resulting in illicit gains of several crores.
The probe also revealed that Imran, a resident of Ghazipur, was Dumpi’s key accomplice. Leveraging the influence of Mukhtar Ansari and Dumpi, he allegedly infiltrated BSNL operations and facilitated the fraudulent diesel supply contracts.
The ED initiated the investigation nearly two years ago. After irregularities were exposed, Dumpi fled to Dubai to evade arrest. Intelligence on his return to India prompted immediate alert measures, enabling Lucknow police to apprehend him upon arrival.
ED officials are now conducting intensive interrogation of Dumpi, which is expected to uncover the involvement of several BSNL officials and other members of the Mukhtar gang linked to the scam.
