AAP's Amanatullah Khan Arrested by ED in Money Laundering Case

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amanatullah Khan was detained by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday. This arrest is part of a money laundering probe linked to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Wakf Board and a disproportionate assets case.

The 50-year-old MLA from Okhla was taken into custody at 11:20 am under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED conducted a search at his residence starting just after 6 am.

Allegations and Investigations

The money laundering investigation against Khan originates from two FIRs. One was filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concerning Wakf Board irregularities, and the other by the Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch related to disproportionate assets.

The ED informed the court that Khan was evasive during questioning, leading to his arrest. The agency alleged that proceeds of crime were used to buy property and that cash was involved.

Political Reactions

The Aam Aadmi Party defended Khan, claiming he was framed like other leaders for opposing the BJP. Meanwhile, BJP and Congress accused AAP of having corrupt leaders, citing Khan's arrest as evidence.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva questioned why AAP leaders were anxious if Khan was innocent. "In India, the rule of law prevails, and anyone who indulges in corruption has to be answerable for it," Sachdeva said.

Legal Proceedings

Khan appeared before Special Judge Rakesh Syal on Monday night and was remanded in ED custody for four days. The ED had requested ten days, stating he needed to be confronted with other accused and evidence.

The ED had previously raided Khan's premises, alleging he acquired large sums through illegal recruitment in the Delhi Wakf Board and invested these in immovable assets under associates' names.

Public Response

A large crowd gathered outside Khan's home as he was taken away in an official vehicle. Security teams from CRPF and Delhi Police were present during the action.

A purported video showed Khan sitting near his mother-in-law, who recently had surgery. Another video showed him telling an ED officer that he knew they intended to arrest him.

Statements from AAP Leaders

Khan stated his mother-in-law is a cancer patient who underwent surgery four days ago. He had requested four weeks from the ED for her treatment. "Today, these people have come to arrest me," he said in a video message posted on X before his arrest.

AAP leader Manish Sisodia claimed the ED's only job is to suppress voices against the BJP. "Those who do not break are arrested and put in jail," he alleged.

Previous Investigations

Khan claimed he had fully cooperated with previous investigations by ACB and CBI, which had given him a clean chit. "The ED had searched my house in this case on 10 October 2023," he said.

Sanjay Singh mentioned that earlier raids found nothing, but Khan was interrogated for 13 hours in 2024. He claimed this bullying by BJP would cost them dearly in Delhi Assembly polls.

Congress Reactions

Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav alleged that Khan's arrest highlighted deep-rooted corruption within AAP. He claimed Khan might be the 19th AAP MLA under probe for corruption.

"The Delhi Congress had complained nearly three years ago about Khan's corruption in the Delhi Wakf Board," Yadav said, adding that this led to probe agencies tracking him, culminating in his arrest by ED.

ED's Allegations

The ED alleged illegal recruitment of staff and unfair leasing of Wakf Board properties during Khan's chairmanship from 2018-2022. They filed a charge sheet naming four people, including three alleged associates of Khan: Zeeshan Haider, Daud Nasir, and Jawed Imam Siddiqui.

The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) and ED filed cases against Khan, who got bail after an ACB arrest. The ED raided his house in 2023 but found nothing substantial.

Khan is among several AAP leaders arrested by federal agencies in various money laundering cases. These include Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former deputy CM Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and former minister Satyendar Jain. Sisodia and Singh are now out on bail.