The Enforcement Directorate arrested Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amanatullah Khan for his involvement in a money laundering probe related to the Delhi Waqf Board case. He is accused of using "tainted" cash for purchasing an immovable property in Delhi and has been charged with non-cooperation and avoiding investigation. This is the latest in a string of arrests and allegations against AAP leaders by central agencies, which the party claims is a political vendetta by the ruling BJP.
Amanatullah Khan's Arrest: A Deeper Dive
On September 16, 2022, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Amanatullah Khan in connection with a money laundering case related to the Delhi Waqf Board. The ED alleges that Khan used "tainted" funds to purchase an immovable property in Delhi and accuse him of non-cooperation and obstructing the investigation.
This arrest is part of a larger pattern of scrutiny of AAP leaders by central agencies, which the party has denounced as a "political vendetta" by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Background
The Delhi Waqf Board is a statutory body responsible for managing and administering Islamic religious properties in the capital city. Amanatullah Khan was appointed as its chairman in 2016 by the then AAP-led Delhi government.
In 2020, the CBI launched an investigation into alleged financial irregularities and corruption within the Waqf Board during Khan's tenure. The ED later registered a money laundering case based on the CBI's findings.
Allegations against Khan
The ED alleges that Khan diverted funds from the Waqf Board for personal gain and used them to purchase a property in Delhi. The agency also claims that Khan failed to cooperate with the investigation and has been evasive in his responses.
AAP's Response
AAP has strongly condemned the arrest of Khan, calling it a "blatant misuse of power" by the BJP. The party has accused the central government of targeting its leaders to undermine its popularity and prevent it from effectively challenging the BJP's dominance.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the Delhi Waqf Board case? The Delhi Waqf Board case involves allegations of financial irregularities and corruption within the body responsible for managing Islamic religious properties in Delhi.
2. What is the role of Amanatullah Khan in the case? Amanatullah Khan was the chairman of the Delhi Waqf Board during the period under investigation. The ED alleges that he diverted funds from the Board for personal gain.
3. What is the ED investigating? The ED is investigating money laundering charges related to the Delhi Waqf Board case. The agency alleges that Khan used "tainted" funds to purchase a property in Delhi.
4. Has Khan been charged? Khan has been arrested by the ED but has not yet been formally charged.
5. What is AAP's response to the arrest? AAP has condemned the arrest of Khan and accused the BJP of targeting its leaders as part of a "political vendetta".
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