New Delhi: A city court has sought a response of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a plea moved by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan in a money laundering case registered by the ED.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne directed the ED to file its response to Khan’s plea by October 29.
The ED arrested Khan in the money laundering case on September 2 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after a search was conducted by the central agency at his residence in Okhla in the national capital.
ED’s money laundering case against Khan stems from two FIRs registered by CBI, Delhi Police
The ED case against Khan stems from two First Information Reports (FIR) – one registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the alleged irregularities in the Delhi Wakf Board and second registered by the Delhi police anti-corruption unit for alleged disproportionate assets case.
What are ED’s allegations against Khan?
The ED has alleged that Khan acquired “huge proceeds of crime” in cash through illegal recruitment of staff in the Delhi Waqf Board during his tenure as chairman and invested the money to purchase immovable assets in the name of his associates.
“An application for regular bail has been moved on behalf of accused Amanatullah Khan. Copy has been provided to the ED. Let reply be filed. List on October 29, 2024,” the court said in an order passed on October 21.
Court also extended Khan’s judicial custody till November 5
Meanwhile, the court also extended Khan’s judicial custody in the money laundering case till November 5 on a plea moved by the ED before the court.
Khan was produced before the court through video conferencing after the expiry of his remand earlier granted by the court.
The ED, while urging the court to extend Khan’s judicial custody in the case, told the court that if he was released, he could influence witnesses and hamper the investigation.
“Considering the advanced and crucial stage of investigation, the application is allowed. Accused Amanatullah Khan is committed to further judicial custody till the next date – November 5, 2024,” the court said in its order, news agency PTI reported.
