AAP's Amanatullah Khan Interrogated By ED In Waqf Board Case For Over 13 Hours

AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan underwent extensive questioning for over 13 hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday, concerning a money laundering case tied to alleged discrepancies during his tenure as chairman of the Delhi Waqf Board. Khan, who arrived at the ED's central Delhi office around 11 am, did not exit until after midnight. Following this marathon session, he has been summoned to reappear next week.

Photo Credit: PTI

Khan, addressing the media post-interrogation, clarified that his appearance was in compliance with Supreme Court directives. He mentioned that his statement was recorded and he was requested to furnish certain documents pertinent to the investigation. Dismissing rumors of his arrest as baseless, Khan emphasized the legal nature of his cooperation with the agency.

In a show of support, AAP MP Sanjay Singh, Atishi, and other party leaders visited Khan's residence on Thursday evening to meet with his family. Atishi voiced concerns to the press regarding false news of Khan's arrest and labeled the charges against him as unfounded.

The scrutiny of Khan, a 50-year-old representative for the Okhla assembly constituency, follows the Supreme Court's decision last week to reject his anticipatory bail plea related to the alleged irregularities within the Delhi Waqf Board under his leadership. The apex court had mandated his participation in the ongoing investigation by April 18.

Prior to his ED office visit, Khan asserted his adherence to regulations during his chairmanship at the Waqf Board. He claimed all actions were taken after seeking legal counsel and in accordance with the new Act established for the board in 2013.

The case against Khan originates from a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR alongside three complaints lodged by Delhi Police. The ED's allegations against him include illicit staff recruitment within the Waqf Board and misappropriation of funds through these hires, leading to substantial unlawful financial gains. According to the ED's findings, these proceeds were then invested in real estate assets under associates' names. The agency highlighted that these activities spanned from 2018 to 2022, marking Khan's chairmanship period and involved unauthorized leasing of Waqf Board properties for personal benefit.