Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Monday ordered Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan to be held in judicial custody until September 23. This decision follows his arrest on September 2 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged money laundering case involving irregularities in the recruitment and misuse of properties at the Delhi Waqf Board.
The ED had previously sought a 14-day judicial custody for Khan, arguing that further custodial interrogation was unnecessary and citing concerns that Khan might influence witnesses and impede the investigation. Khan was interrogated by the ED for six hours before his arrest.
Khan, in a statement made before his arrest, criticized the ED’s actions, claiming harassment and asserting that the agency’s efforts were aimed at undermining his party. He highlighted personal circumstances, including his mother-in-law’s illness, to argue against his detention.
In April, Khan had been granted bail by a city court related to previous complaints filed by the ED for failing to attend summons. The ED, however, contended that Khan had evaded investigation by seeking anticipatory bail and not cooperating with the probe.
The ongoing investigation has led to charges against Khan and several others, with allegations including the illegal leasing of ₹100 crore worth of Waqf properties and improper appointments within the Delhi Waqf Board during Khan’s tenure. A charge sheet has already been filed against four individuals and one firm in connection with these allegations.
Leave a Reply