AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan Arrested in Money Laundering Case

A Delhi court has placed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan in four-day custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) following his arrest in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in appointments to the Delhi Waqf Board.

Khan, 50, who represents the Okhla assembly constituency, was taken into custody on September 2, 2024, after the ED conducted a search at his residence. The agency sought a 10-day custody to confront Khan with other accused individuals and gather more evidence against him.

Special Judge Rakesh Syal granted a four-day custody order, instructing that Khan be presented again in court on September 6. The arrest was made under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), as Khan allegedly evaded multiple ED summons and displayed non-cooperation during investigations.

The case against Khan emerged from two FIRs: one filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding irregularities in the Delhi Wakf Board, and another by the Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch concerning alleged possession of disproportionate assets. The ED has accused Khan of being the primary figure in laundering criminal proceeds and misusing his position.

During the investigation, the ED indicated that Khan had not only been evasive during questioning but had also attempted to mislead the agency. The agency claimed that the proceeds of crime from unlawful appointments at the Waqf Board were used to purchase properties.

Khan has previously faced investigations by the ACB and CBI, both of which reportedly cleared him. He asserts that his cooperation with the ED has been substantial and maintains his innocence regarding any wrongdoing, emphasizing that he had sought time for his ailing mother-in-law prior to his arrest.

The ED’s ongoing inquiry into this matter also implicates other AAP officials, including prominent leaders such as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, with allegations linked to various money laundering activities.