10-10-2023 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a search operation on the residences of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan in Delhi, as part of an ongoing money-laundering probe. This investigation, which encompasses multiple individuals, is rooted in allegations of financial irregularities within the Delhi Waqf Board. Amanatullah Khan, a 49-year-old legislator who represents the Okhla constituency in the Delhi Assembly, has found himself at the center of this legal scrutiny.
The ED’s actions are carried out under the legal provisions stipulated by the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, and they involve the search of approximately three different properties, as per initial reports.
This inquiry by the federal agency was triggered by two distinct FIRs—one lodged by the Delhi Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and another by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)—both of which implicated Khan in alleged corruption related to illicit appointments made within the Delhi Waqf Board. Notably, Khan had been taken into custody by the Delhi ACB in September 2022.
The ACB’s case centered on accusations of “financial misappropriation and other irregularities in the functioning of the Delhi Waqf Board.” The FIR brought to light allegations that, during his tenure as chairman of the Delhi Waqf Board, Khan had unlawfully recruited 32 individuals, in direct violation of established norms and governmental guidelines. The charges also included claims of corruption and favoritism.
In their statement issued in September 2022, the ACB pointed out that the then CEO of the Delhi Waqf Board had openly criticized and issued a memorandum opposing these illicit recruitments. Furthermore, Khan was accused of engaging in corrupt practices and displaying favoritism by leasing several properties of the Delhi Waqf Board without proper authorization.
Additionally, it was alleged that Khan had misappropriated funds allocated to the Delhi Waqf Board, consisting of grants-in-aid provided by the Delhi government. This ongoing investigation underscores the seriousness of the charges against Amanatullah Khan and raises questions about financial improprieties within the Delhi Waqf Board during his leadership.