Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday following a high-profile raid at his residence in Delhi’s Okhla. The arrest, which came after a six-hour grilling session by the ED, has sparked a fresh wave of political controversy and heated accusations from both sides of the political spectrum.
Khan, who has been at the center of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities, was seen outside his residence expressing his frustration to the media and party workers. “Mai bekasoor hoon” (I am innocent), Khan was heard saying as he was escorted away by ED officials. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Khan claimed that the central agency had been harassing him for the past two years, accusing them of targeting him with false cases in a bid to undermine his work and that of his party.
Khan’s public statement highlighted the personal distress he is facing, particularly regarding his mother-in-law’s recent cancer surgery. He alleged that the ED’s timing was intended to disrupt his family life and political activities, stating, “Their only motive is to arrest me and stop our work. For the last two years, these people have been harassing me, and filing fake cases against me.”
The arrest has drawn strong reactions from AAP leaders. Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, prominent members of the party, have condemned the action as a political maneuver aimed at silencing dissent. Sisodia accused the ED of attempting to “suppress every voice raised against the BJP and break it,” while Singh alleged that the ED’s actions are indicative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “dictatorship” and the agency’s “hooliganism.”
On the other hand, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva criticized the AAP’s response, alleging that the party has a history of corruption. Sachdeva pointed out that Khan’s arrest was related to alleged financial irregularities during his tenure with the Delhi Waqf Board, which has been accused of leasing properties and making irregular appointments. “There is a long list of corrupt people in the AAP. When the law takes its course, they start shouting,” Sachdeva told ANI, emphasizing that the law is equal for everyone.
The ED’s investigation centers around allegations that Khan was involved in leasing Rs 100 crore worth of Waqf properties illegally and appointing 32 contractual employees in violation of regulations. The federal probe agency had earlier filed a complaint against Khan for not attending summons and not cooperating with the probe.
Earlier in April, Khan was granted bail by the Rouse Avenue Court in connection with similar charges. The ED’s recent actions have intensified the scrutiny on Khan, with accusations of him evading investigation by filing an anticipatory bail plea.
The unfolding situation has placed Amanatullah Khan and the AAP under significant pressure, setting the stage for a prolonged political and legal battle. As the investigation continues, both the party and Khan are likely to face more scrutiny and controversy in the coming days.
