AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday morning has sparked significant political controversy, especially within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Khan was taken into custody after six hours of intense questioning at his residence in Okhla, a constituency he represents in the Delhi Assembly, as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to the Delhi Waqf Board case.
The arrest followed a raid conducted by ED officials at Khan’s home, which began early in the morning. The raid was reportedly supported by a large contingent of Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, who secured the area as officers searched for evidence. Visuals from the scene showed officials scrutinizing documents and materials, while security personnel maintained a strong presence on the roads surrounding Khan’s residence.
Khan, who has previously served as the chairman of the Delhi Waqf Board, is accused of illegal recruitment and financial misconduct during his tenure. The ED alleges that between 2018 and 2022, Khan engaged in activities that resulted in significant financial gains through unlawful means, which were then allegedly laundered and used to purchase immovable assets in the names of his associates.
As Khan was escorted from his home by the authorities, he maintained his innocence, proclaiming, "I am innocent" to the gathered media. His arrest has been met with a strong response from AAP leaders, who have accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using central agencies to target political opponents.
Khan took to social media during the raid, posting a video in which he accused the government of harassing him and other AAP leaders. He described the actions of the ED as being part of a broader "dictatorship" aimed at suppressing voices of dissent. AAP MP Sanjay Singh echoed these sentiments, alleging that the ED’s actions were driven by a political vendetta orchestrated by the BJP. He criticized the timing of the raid, noting that Khan’s mother-in-law is battling cancer and had recently undergone surgery, implying that the raid was both cruel and unwarranted.
Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who himself was recently released on bail in a separate case, also weighed in on the matter. He condemned the ED’s actions, suggesting that the agency’s primary focus has shifted to suppressing political opposition rather than investigating genuine cases of corruption. Sisodia's comments further highlighted the ongoing tension between the AAP and the central government, with the AAP accusing the BJP of using state machinery to stifle political rivals.
The case against Khan has been ongoing for several months, with the ED previously questioning him for over 12 hours. The agency claims that Khan has been evasive and non-cooperative with the investigation, leading to his arrest. Earlier this year, the Delhi High Court denied Khan anticipatory bail, citing his lack of cooperation with the investigation. The Supreme Court also refused to grant him protection from arrest, reinforcing the legal challenges Khan faces as the case progresses.
The arrest has added to the mounting legal troubles for AAP leaders, many of whom are already under scrutiny from various central agencies. The developments are likely to further intensify the political battle between AAP and the BJP, as the former accuses the latter of weaponizing central agencies to weaken the opposition ahead of key elections.
