Delhi HC issues notice to ED on Amanatullah Khan's plea challenging arrest

New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan’s plea challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi Waqf Board scam.

A Bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna asked the federal anti-money laundering agency to file its reply to Khan's petition within a period of two weeks and posted the matter for hearing on October 18.

After ED opposed the maintainability of Khan’s petition on the ground that he failed to disclose the fact of dismissal of his anticipatory bail plea on the same grounds, Justice Krishna added that the question of maintainability will remain open.

Last week, a court here sent Khan to judicial custody till September 23 after the ED said that his custody was necessary to prevent him from influencing witnesses or hampering the ongoing probe.

Before this, Khan, the primary accused in the alleged scam, remained in seven-day ED custody which ended on September 9.

Khan was arrested by the ED on September 2 following a raid at his residence.

The raid was carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), with Delhi Police and CRPF personnel providing security.

Khan was previously arrested in April by the ED in connection with the same case but was granted bail by the Delhi Rouse Avenue court.

The ED's complaint against Khan centres on allegations of illegal staff recruitment at the Delhi Waqf Board and the subsequent misuse of funds to purchase properties under the names of his associates.

The case dates back to November 2016 when a complaint was filed against Khan, who was the then Chairman of the Waqf Board.

The complaint accused him of making illegal appointments to various approved and non-approved positions within the Board.

Following a CBI investigation, it was revealed that Khan had deliberately ignored the rules to appoint his close associates.

The CBI registered a case, which was later taken up by the ED for money laundering investigations.

--IANS

pds/rad