
Amanatullah Khan, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and an MLA from Okhla in Delhi, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on September 2, 2024. The arrest is linked to an ongoing investigation into allegations of money laundering and financial irregularities involving Khan and his associates.
The case against Khan stems from two FIRs: one filed by the CBI concerning alleged irregularities in Waqf Board appointments, and another by the Delhi ACB regarding an alleged case of disproportionate assets. The agency had earlier summoned Khan and questioned him for 13 hours.
The ED has been probing Khan for his alleged involvement in diverting public funds and laundering money through a network of shell companies. The arrest has triggered a political storm, with AAP leaders accusing the central government of using investigative agencies to target opposition leaders.
Khan, known for his stronghold in the Okhla constituency and his role in addressing issues related to the Muslim community in Delhi, has been a controversial figure in the past. His arrest has prompted a wave of protests from AAP supporters, who claim that the charges are politically motivated and aimed at weakening the party ahead of upcoming elections.
The ED, however, has defended its actions, stating that the arrest was made based on substantial evidence collected during the investigation. The agency claims that Khan was uncooperative during questioning and that his arrest was necessary to prevent tampering with evidence. The case has further intensified the ongoing tussle between the AAP-led Delhi government and the BJP-led central government, with implications that could influence the political landscape in the national capital.