The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stated on Thursday that MLA Amanatullah Khan was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Waqf Board.
Senior AAP leaders arrived at Amanatullah Khan's residence in Delhi's Okhla area late Thursday evening, following his appearance before the central probe agency earlier in the day regarding alleged irregularities during his chairmanship of the Delhi Waqf Board.
In a post on social media, Amanatullah Khan asserted, "You will not be able to break my spirit by arresting me, dictator."
However, the Enforcement Directorate has yet to confirm the arrest of the AAP leader.
AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj, who visited Amanatullah Khan's residence, questioned the presence of ED officials, stating that Khan had not accepted any money. He compared Khan's situation to that of Sanjay Singh, another AAP member who was previously detained, suggesting a pattern to destabilize the AAP government.
Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi defended Khan, labeling the case against him as false and alleging that the ED lacked evidence. She expressed solidarity with AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, asserting that the party would stand firm despite any attempts to undermine it.
The case against Amanatullah Khan originated from a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR and three Delhi Police complaints. The ED, after conducting raids on Khan's premises, accused him of acquiring illicit proceeds from illegal recruitment and property leasing during his tenure at the Delhi Waqf Board.
The ED alleged that Khan used the cash obtained from these activities to purchase immovable assets in the names of his associates. Seized evidence, both physical and digital, purportedly indicated Khan's involvement in money laundering.
The AAP characterized this investigation as part of a pattern of false cases targeting its leaders.
