Late into the night in a dramatic turn of events, Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amanatullah Khan emerged from the Enforcement Directorate’s office after a grueling 12-hour questioning session. The session was part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering activities linked to his tenure as chairman of the Delhi Waqf Board. Khan, who arrived prepared for a lengthy discussion at 11:00 am, did not leave the premises until post-midnight Friday, marking a significant episode in this high-profile case.

Supreme Court’s Stand on the Arrest:

The Supreme Court recently ruled on this matter, denying anticipatory bail to Amanatullah Khan but also advising the Enforcement Directorate to refrain from arresting him unless they possess substantial evidence. This direction comes amid allegations of a targeted crackdown by the ED, which the AAP leadership criticizes as politically motivated.

Allegations of Political Witch-Hunt:

In a statement to the media, Amanatullah Khan accused central agencies of trying to force his resignation and pressuring him to turn against AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal. His declaration highlights a deeper narrative of political rivalry and manipulation, claiming, “I want to tell the public of Okhla that for the last two years, the central agencies have been chasing and irritating me.”

AAP’s Rally Around Amanatullah Khan:

In a show of solidarity, several top AAP officials, including Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and Delhi Ministers, convened at Khan’s residence. They voiced strong support for their colleague, asserting the party’s unified stance against what they describe as “Operation Lotus.” Sanjay Singh’s fiery remarks to the press underscored the sentiment: “Your dictatorship will end soon. This conspiracy has been created to dismantle the Delhi government and break the party.”

Ongoing Legal and Political Saga:

This case has been weaving through the legal and political fabric of Delhi since 2016, with various charges and countercharges adding layers to the controversy. The Enforcement Directorate’s recent moves, including the filing of a charge sheet against four individuals and one firm, signify a tightening noose around the alleged financial discrepancies during Khan’s administration of the Waqf Board.

The timing and intensity of the ED’s interrogation of Amanatullah Khan raise significant questions about the balance of justice and political interests in India. While the legal processes must be respected, the overt political undertones suggest a battle that transcends the courtroom, reflecting broader national conflicts within the governance and oversight of key public institutions.

Key Points:

• Amanatullah Khan, an MLA from Aam Aadmi Party, was questioned for over 12 hours by the Enforcement Directorate concerning a money laundering case tied to the Delhi Waqf Board.
• Despite a long session that lasted past midnight, Khan was released without arrest, following Supreme Court directives that cautioned the ED against any unnecessary arrests.
• The MLA alleges a targeted harassment campaign by central agencies, aiming to coerce his resignation and betrayal against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

  AAP, Amanatullah Khan, Delhi politics, Delhi Waqf Board, ED interrogation, money laundering case, Operation Lotus, Supreme Court