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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has brought former Congress MLA and wife of senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid, Louise Khurshid, under scrutiny, alleging that she and two others “laundered” Rs 71.50 lakh in central government funds intended for disabled individuals for personal gains through a trust. This development has once again cast the spotlight on Louise, a prominent figure in Congress circles and social service activities in Uttar Pradesh’s Farrukhabad district.
In Congress circles, Louise is recognized for her involvement in party affairs and public outreach alongside her husband, Salman Khurshid. Additionally, she has been actively engaged in social service initiatives in and around Farrukhabad. Known for her outspoken demeanor, Louise recently made headlines after a viral video captured her urging Congress workers to confront senior party leaders who allegedly failed to acknowledge her or her husband.
The ED’s provisional attachment of 15 agricultural land parcels and bank deposits belonging to the Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, amounting to Rs 45.92 lakh, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), underscores the gravity of the allegations. The ED’s investigation alleges that funds earmarked for government-sanctioned camps were diverted for personal gain by trust representatives, including Louise Khurshid.
The case traces back to 17 FIRs filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Uttar Pradesh Police in 2017, stemming from revelations made in a 2012 “sting” operation by a TV channel. The expose purportedly revealed misappropriation of government grants intended for distributing artificial limbs and wheelchairs among people with disabilities by the Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, founded by Louise Khurshid.
In a significant development, an MP-MLA court in Bareilly issued an arrest warrant against Louise and another accused on February 7 this year, further intensifying legal proceedings in the case.
Louise Khurshid’s political journey includes winning the Assembly seat from Kaimganj in 2002 but facing electoral defeats in subsequent polls. Notably, her electoral bids from the Farrukhabad constituency in the 2012 and 2022 polls were unsuccessful.
Despite her political setbacks, Louise remains a notable figure in the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh, navigating through electoral challenges and legal controversies.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case against Louise Khurshid brings to light broader questions concerning the utilization of government funds and the accountability of public representatives, highlighting the need for transparency and integrity in governance.
