ED turns to home ministry to probe Hasan Ali's terror links

In a letter to the ministry, the ED has conveyed that it was absolutely necessary to look into various aspects of the 53-year-old Pune-based stud farm owner's dealings and whether he was having any links with any terrorist outfit -- both within the country as well as abroad.

The ED also cited Khan's alleged links with international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi and the fact that he was having multiple passports, which were acquired through various illegal means. "We have received a letter from the ED requesting us to probe if Hasan Ali has any links with any terror outfit," a senior home ministry official said on Wednesday.

The ED comes under the Union finance ministry. The ED accused Khan of dealing in, acquiring and holding foreign exchange equivalent to Rs 36,000 crore. On his Khashoggi links, it said, "This requires intensive probe as it has a bearing on national security as well,"

While taking note of accusations of Khan's links with Khashoggi and those involved in terror activities, the Supreme Court had last month asked the probe agencies to also consider the option of booking him under anti-terror law.