AAP Leader Amanatullah Khan Granted Bail By Delhi Court In Waqf Board Money Laundering Case

In a major development in the Delhi Waqf Board money laundering case, the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Amanatullah Khan.

The court declined to take cognisance of the supplementary chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Khan and others.

The court ordered Khan's release, stating that the required sanction to prosecute him had not been obtained. It also noted that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case against Mariyam Siddiqui, who was also named in the supplementary chargesheet.

The case involves the alleged purchase of land worth Rs 36 crore in the Okhla area.

The ED had filed the supplementary chargesheet against Khan and Siddiqui, but the court pointed out that the necessary approval for prosecuting Khan was not obtained from the relevant authorities. As a result, it ordered his immediate release.

While acknowledging that there was sufficient evidence against Khan, the court emphasised that without the required sanction, the trial could not proceed. It added that once the necessary approval is obtained, the court could consider taking cognisance of the charges.

The ED had filed the supplementary chargesheet on October 29, naming Khan and Siddiqui. The Rouse Avenue Court is scheduled to hear the matter on November 4.

Amanatullah Khan had been arrested earlier in connection with the case on September 2 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The ED accused Khan of laundering funds obtained through corrupt practices during his time as Chairman of the Waqf Board (2016-2021) and using the money for real estate investments.

The ED's investigation stemmed from an FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the Prevention of Corruption Act, alleging illegal appointments of staff at the Delhi Waqf Board, resulting in substantial financial losses to the government.