Haj pilgrims duped by travel agent

While seeking bail for Rehman, defence counsel H.R. Khan Suhel told Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate ACMM Sangita Dhingra Sehgal on Saturday that if he remained in the custody 8220;it will adversely affect the interest of Haj pilgrims who have booked through him and likely to proceed for Haj in March 2000.8221;

Counsel Rajesh Manchanda for the ED, which has arrested five persons including Rehman in the case, said Rehman, during investigation, had admitted to having indulged in hawala.

Manchanda claimed the money seized from Rehman8217;s house was nothing but 8220;hawala money,8221; as according to his contract with MTC, he should have sent the pilgrims8217; money to the head office in Mumbai immediately after its collection.

Suhel said the cashbook seized by the ED officials showed the money was the booking amount collected from the pilgrims and the formalities for their tour had to be completed by middle of December.