In a dramatic turn of events, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday in connection with alleged financial irregularities involving the Delhi Waqf Board. The arrest followed a high-profile raid conducted by the federal agency at Khan’s residence in Delhi earlier today.
The charges against Khan pertain to alleged irregularities in appointments and leasing of properties linked to the Delhi Waqf Board, valued at approximately ₹100 crore. The raid, which was part of an ongoing investigation, reportedly involved dramatic scenes as Khan publicly accused the ED of insensitivity towards his family. In a video statement posted on X, Khan expressed frustration over the timing of the raid, highlighting that his mother-in-law, a cancer patient, had recently undergone surgery.
Khan’s residence was reportedly turned upside down during the search, leading to heated exchanges between Khan, his family members, and the ED officials. His wife was heard complaining about the disruption caused by the raid, emphasizing the severe health condition of her mother-in-law.
The MLA, representing Delhi’s Okhla constituency, has vehemently denied the allegations and accused the ED of harassing him and his party for the past two years. He claimed that the charges against him were fabricated and part of a broader attempt to destabilize the AAP.
AAP’s response has been critical of the ED’s actions, with party members accusing the agency of acting with malice and using the investigation to target political opponents. This arrest comes amid ongoing controversies involving several high-profile AAP leaders, including ex-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh.
Sisodia, who was previously arrested in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam, and Singh have both criticized the ED, arguing that the agency’s actions are politically motivated. The party has also suggested that the current legal actions against Khan are part of a broader strategy to undermine the AAP ahead of upcoming elections.
The case against Khan dates back to 2016, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initially investigating the allegations. Despite extensive inquiries, the CBI did not arrest Khan, but the ED continued its probe, which eventually led to today’s dramatic developments.
Khan’s arrest marks the fourth instance of an AAP leader being detained by a central agency, further escalating tensions between the party and federal authorities. The AAP has consistently claimed that these actions are attempts by the ruling BJP to suppress dissent and influence the political landscape ahead of the next Assembly election in Delhi.
As the situation unfolds, both the AAP and its critics continue to debate the legitimacy and motivations behind the ongoing investigations, with significant political and legal ramifications expected in the coming days.
Sources By Agencies