Delhi MLA Amanatullah Khan Arrested in Major Money Laundering Scandal: Court Orders Custody Amidst Allegations of Massive Financial Misconduct

Delhi MLA Amanatullah Khan Arrested in Major Money Laundering Scandal: Court Orders Custody Amidst Allegations of Massive Financial Misconduct

On Monday night, a Delhi court ordered AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan to be held in Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody for four days concerning a grave money laundering investigation. Special Judge Rakesh Syal decided on short-term detention after the ED presented compelling evidence suggesting that Khan was involved in serious financial crimes under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Khan, who represents the Okhla assembly seat, was arrested at his home earlier in the day, following a pre-dawn raid by the ED. The agency requested a 10-day custody period, arguing that Khan needed to be confronted with other suspects and evidence to further the investigation. The court, however, upheld the principles of justice and granted only four days of ED custody, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for September 6.

The judge dismissed Khan’s claims that his arrest was unlawful, emphasizing that custodial interrogation is often necessary in cases involving financial conspiracy to uncover the full extent of the wrongdoing. The judge highlighted that the evidence revealed a significant financial anomaly involving properties purchased with large sums of cash, some allegedly funneled through Khan.

During the court proceedings, it was noted that the diaries seized from one of Khan’s associates showed that properties worth Rs 36 crore were purchased, with a significant portion of the payment being made in cash. The court also observed discrepancies in property valuations and Khan’s alleged use of intermediaries to acquire these assets.

Khan’s arrest is part of a broader investigation linked to two FIRs: one by the Central Bureau of Investigation over irregularities at the Delhi Waqf Board and another by the Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch concerning alleged disproportionate assets. The ED accused Khan of evading their questions during earlier searches and not cooperating despite multiple summonses.

This arrest involves AAP leaders, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who have faced similar charges. Khan, currently under intense scrutiny, has been vocal about his situation. In a video posted before his arrest, he expressed concern for his mother-in-law’s health, citing her recent surgery and pleading for more time to care for her.

The ED’s investigation suggests that Khan illicitly obtained funds from illegal recruitment practices and mismanaged Waqf Board properties to buy assets through intermediaries. Despite his claims of cooperation and previous clean chit from other investigations, the ED maintains that Khan’s financial dealings warrant further examination.