ED Raids AAP Leader Amanatullah Khan's Premises In Money Laundering Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed a search operation at the Delhi residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Amanatullah Khan on Tuesday, 10th October, as part of an ongoing investigation into a money laundering case.

This action by the ED is a direct response to two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) that were originally filed by the Delhi Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). These FIRs revolve around alleged irregularities in the recruitment processes of the Delhi Waqf Board, an institution where Amanatullah Khan currently holds the position of chairman.

These searches are being carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Amanatullah Khan, who represents the Okhla constituency in the Delhi Assembly and is 49 years old, had previously faced legal trouble in connection with the same case. He was apprehended by the Delhi ACB last year and subsequently granted bail in September 2022.

The initial complaint that triggered this investigation alleged that during Khan's tenure as the chairman of the Delhi Waqf Board, he illicitly recruited 32 individuals, bypassing established norms and government guidelines. Moreover, the complaint also raised allegations of corruption and favoritism against him.

This recent raid on Khan's residence follows closely on the heels of the arrest of another AAP leader, Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh, by the Enforcement Directorate on October 4th. Singh's arrest was related to a money laundering case linked to Delhi's liquor policy.

Sanjay Singh joined the ranks of high-profile leaders, including former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who have been implicated in this ongoing case. These developments have sent shockwaves through Delhi's ruling AAP, which has labeled Singh's arrest as a "dictatorial step" by the Narendra Modi government.