ED Challenges Bail Decision in Delhi Waqf Board Case

The Enforcement Directorate petitions the Delhi High Court against a trial court's bail release of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities with the Delhi Waqf Board. Despite sufficient evidence, a lack of prosecution sanction hinders legal proceedings.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Delhi High Court, questioning the trial court's decision to grant bail to Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amanatullah Khan in the Delhi Waqf Board money laundering investigation.

Justice Vibhu Bakhru, alongside Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma, agreed to hear the case on Monday, following an urgent request for listing by Advocate Zoheb Hossain representing the ED. However, the court declined to take immediate action. The ED accuses Khan of involvement in the illicit purchase of property valued at Rs 36 crore, citing 'irregularities' during his tenure as Chairman of the Delhi Waqf Board from 2016 to 2023.

The trial court, led by Special Judge Jitendra Singh, highlighted substantial evidence against Khan but ruled for his release due to the absence of a necessary prosecution sanction. Meanwhile, Mariam Siddiqui, named alongside Khan in the supplementary chargesheet, was discharged for lack of evidence. The charges also allege Khan's tampering with his mobile device during investigations, deleting critical information. The Rouse Avenue Court reserved judgment on acknowledging the ED's supplementary chargesheet until November 14, with allegations detailing a Rs 27 crore cash payment during a property purchase under Khan's direction.

(With inputs from agencies.)