New Delhi: In the ongoing saga of the Delhi Waqf Board money laundering case, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan sought anticipatory bail, leading to the Rouse Avenue Court issuing a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The court proceedings unfolded on Monday, with Special Judge Rakesh Syal presiding over the case.
Advocate Rajat Bhardwaj, representing Amanatullah Khan, filed the anticipatory bail application on behalf of the AAP MLA. Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy presented arguments in court, urging for interim protection for Khan. However, the court declined to grant immediate relief. Guruswamy highlighted that Khan had been summoned by the ED in connection with a money laundering case pertaining to the Delhi Waqf Board. She underscored the issue of multiple FIRs being filed for the same case, emphasizing the principle of not initiating two FIRs for one cause in criminal law.
The proceedings shed light on the alleged irregularities surrounding Khan's appointment as chairman of the Delhi Waqf Board and the subsequent investigations conducted by the ED. Despite allegations, previous bail orders concluded that there was no evidence of financial loss to the exchequer or involvement in bribery. During the hearing, the court instructed Khan to cooperate with the ED's summons while also acknowledging his appearance in court. Khan had previously contested the ED's summons at the high court, although the petition was eventually withdrawn.
In earlier developments, the Rouse Avenue Court had taken cognizance of the Prosecution Complaint filed by the ED in the Delhi Waqf Board money laundering case. The ED had named several individuals in its charge sheet, alleging the misappropriation of funds and illicit property transactions. The ED's claims revolved around the purchase of properties worth millions of rupees, allegedly facilitated by Khan's involvement. These transactions, according to the ED, were carried out using ill-gotten money and involved various accomplices.
As the legal battle unfolds, the case continues to draw attention to the intricate web of financial irregularities and alleged misconduct within the Delhi Waqf Board. The court's decision to grant notice to the ED marks another chapter in the ongoing investigation into this high-profile case.
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