AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan Released After 13-Hour Questioning by ED in Delhi Waqf Board Case

Amanatullah Khan, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA, was released on Thursday after being questioned for over 13 hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Waqf Board during his tenure as the chairman from 2018 to 2022. The case has its roots in a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR and three Delhi Police complaints.

According to the ED, Khan allegedly acquired significant illegal proceeds through the illicit recruitment of staff in the Delhi Waqf Board and invested them in immovable assets under the names of his associates. The agency had earlier conducted raids on Khan's premises and seized incriminating material. The Supreme Court had rejected Khan's anticipatory bail plea and asked him to appear before the ED.

Khan claimed he followed the rules and sought legal opinions, while the AAP alleged the case is false and part of a conspiracy against the party. Hours before his release, AAP leaders claimed he had been arrested, calling it a 'political conspiracy'.

Why this matters: The case against Khan highlights the ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and irregularities in the Delhi Waqf Board. It also underscores the political tensions between the AAP and the BJP, with both parties accusing each other of targeting their leaders through law enforcement agencies.

The ED had earlier filed a prosecution complaint against five people, including three alleged associates of Khan, but Khan was not named as an accused. Khan was previously arrested by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in 2022 on allegations of making 'arbitrary and illegal recruitments', 'misappropriating' funds, and renting out properties belonging to the Board. In response to Khan's questioning, AAP leader and Delhi minister Atishi vowed to persist in its fight against the BJP, stating that they will continue to fight against BJP's 'dictatorship' and will not be scared or bow down.

Key Takeaways

• AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan questioned for 13 hrs by ED in money laundering case
• Case linked to alleged irregularities in Delhi Waqf Board during Khan's tenure as chairman
• ED alleges Khan acquired illegal proceeds, invested in associates' names
• AAP claims case is false, part of conspiracy; BJP-AAP tensions highlighted
• Khan previously arrested by ACB on allegations of illegal recruitments, fund misappropriation