New Delhi, September 2, 2024 — In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan from his residence in Okhla. The arrest, which is part of an ongoing money laundering investigation, has sparked a political uproar, with AAP leaders accusing the ruling BJP government of using central agencies to target political opponents.
The ED team arrived at Khan’s house early Monday morning, accompanied by personnel from the Delhi Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), who were stationed outside the residence to maintain security. The operation is reportedly linked to allegations of financial irregularities and money laundering, for which Khan is under investigation.
Khan, who represents Okhla in the Delhi Assembly, confirmed the raid on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, “An ED team has reached my house to arrest me.” He accused the central government of orchestrating the raid as a form of political vendetta against him and other AAP leaders. “Early this morning, at the behest of the dictator, his puppet ED reached my house. The dictator is leaving no stone unturned to harass me and other AAP leaders,” Khan posted.
Shortly after his arrest, Khan’s team took to social media to condemn the action. On X, they wrote, “The BJP’s ED has taken MLA Amanatullah Khan into custody on false charges. Revolutionaries will not bow down to the dictator’s oppression.” The statement reflects the escalating tension between AAP and the central government, with Khan’s supporters rallying behind him and pledging to continue their fight against what they see as politically motivated harassment.
The raid has also drawn sharp reactions from other senior AAP leaders, who have accused the BJP-led central government of misusing investigative agencies to stifle dissent. Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia criticized the ED’s actions, stating, “The only work left for the ED is to suppress every voice raised against the BJP and break it. Those who do not break are arrested and put in jail.” AAP MP Sanjay Singh echoed similar sentiments, alleging that the ED has no substantial evidence against Khan. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dictatorship and the ED’s hooliganism continue,” Singh said, reiterating claims that the agency’s actions are politically motivated.
Khan also shared a video on X, asserting that he has been cooperative with the ED and has responded to all notices issued by the agency. Despite this, he claimed that the team arrived with a search warrant to arrest him, further fueling suspicions of political bias in the investigation.
As the raid and arrest unfold, the AAP leadership has vowed to stand by Khan, condemning the central government’s tactics as an abuse of power intended to weaken the opposition. The situation remains tense, with AAP leaders rallying in support of Khan while awaiting further developments in the case.
