ED Questions AAP MLA Amanatullah for 4 Hours in Delhi Waqf Board Money Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan. The ED arrived at Amanatullah’s residence on Monday morning for questioning in connection with the Delhi Waqf Board money laundering case.
Early Morning Search and Arrest
Questioning and investigation at his residence began at 8:15 AM. After four hours of questioning, ED officials arrested him at 12:15 PM. The questioning was related to the money laundering case involving the Delhi Waqf Board. The ED team was accompanied by paramilitary forces.
Amanatullah’s Response to ED’s Actions
Following the ED’s action, Amanatullah stated, “The ED’s aim is to arrest me under the guise of a search warrant. I have responded to every notice. They have been harassing me for two years.”
Dispute at the Doorstep
A dispute occurred between Amanatullah and the ED team at his doorstep. The ED team asked him to step outside to talk. Amanatullah said he had requested four weeks’ time as his mother-in-law had undergone surgery three days ago. He questioned why they had come again to arrest him.
ED Official’s Response
An ED official replied, “How did you assume we came here to arrest you?” Amanatullah countered that if they were not there to arrest him, why were they there? He inquired what the ED needed to search for at his home, mentioning there was no money at his house to be misused.
Ongoing Case and Allegations
The case, which has been ongoing since 2016, is entirely false, according to Amanatullah. The CBI has stated there was no corruption or malfeasance. He believes the intent is to break him and his party. He expressed readiness to go to jail if needed and stated his faith in the court.
Allegations Against AAP MLA
Amanatullah Khan faces allegations of illegally recruiting 32 people while serving as the chairman of the Delhi Waqf Board and misusing the board’s funds. The former CEO of the Delhi Waqf Board has provided statements about these illegal recruitments.
Questioning on April 18
On April 18 this year, the investigative agency questioned Amanatullah for 13 hours. After leaving the ED office, he stated he was acting under Supreme Court directives. The agency had questioned him and recorded his statement.
Previous Raids on October 10, 2023
Earlier, on October 10, 2023, the agency conducted search operations at five locations in Delhi. Raids were also conducted at Amanatullah Khan’s residence. This action was part of two FIRs filed by the Delhi Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) concerning irregularities in jobs at the Delhi Waqf Board.
Cash Seized from Associates
In September 2022, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) had questioned Amanatullah in this case. Based on this, the ACB raided four locations and seized approximately ₹24 lakhs in cash. Additionally, two illegal and unlicensed pistols, cartridges, and liquor were found. Amanatullah was later arrested based on this evidence and criminal material but was granted bail on December 28, 2022.
