ED seeks arrest warrant for AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan in money laundering case
PTC News Desk: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its legal pursuit in a money laundering case involving Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan, seeking a non-bailable arrest warrant against him. This case is linked to purported irregularities in appointments within the Delhi Waqf Board. The ED's move comes as it aims to bolster its investigation with a significant legal step.
In a recent development, the ED presented its plea for a non-bailable arrest warrant before a Delhi court. Special Judge Rakesh Syal of the Rouse Avenue court acknowledged the request, noting that the probe agency required time to furnish additional documents supporting its application. Consequently, the court has scheduled the matter for further consideration on April 18, 2024.
The legal maneuvering follows the ED's earlier filing of a charge sheet against four individuals, which includes three alleged associates of the Okhla MLA, Amanatullah Khan. This indicates the widening scope of the investigation into the alleged financial discrepancies within the Delhi Waqf Board.
Adding to the legal saga, the ED had previously issued summons to Khan, instructing him to appear before the court on April 20. The summons came as a result of Khan's purported non-compliance with previous summonses issued by the central agency. The ED alleged that Khan failed to adhere to summonses for questioning on multiple occasions, spanning from January 23 to March 4.
The legal proceedings underscore the gravity of the allegations against Amanatullah Khan and the significance of the ongoing investigation by the Enforcement Directorate. As the case unfolds, it is poised to attract further scrutiny and attention, shaping the narrative surrounding governance and accountability in Delhi's political landscape.
What is the Delhi Waqf Board case about?
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated an investigation into a money laundering case pertaining to alleged irregularities in appointments within the Delhi Waqf Board, based on a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2016. The CBI's accusations revolved around Amanatullah Khan, who served as the chairperson of the board at the time.
He was accused of illicitly appointing individuals to the Delhi Waqf Board without proper authorization, leading to purported financial losses for the Delhi government and personal gains for himself. Additionally, Khan faced allegations of unlawfully leasing out properties belonging to the Waqf Board.
Subsequently, the ED filed charges of money laundering against the Okhla MLA following raids conducted on premises associated with him in the preceding year. During these raids, the probe agency claimed to have seized several pieces of "incriminating" evidence, both physical and digital, suggesting Khan's alleged complicity in money laundering activities.
In an attempt to evade legal ramifications, Khan sought anticipatory bail from the Delhi High Court. However, his plea was dismissed by the court.
- With inputs from agencies
