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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday secured four days of custody of Samajwadi Party leader and former MP Azam Khan in a money laundering investigation involving alleged financial irregularities worth ₹426.46 crore linked to Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur.
A special CBI court in Ghaziabad granted the agency custody from 4.30 pm on November 12 until November 16, allowing investigators to question Khan about suspected diversion of public funds, financial transactions and the alleged concealment of proceeds of crime.
Special CBI Judge Vinod Kumar-VI allowed the ED’s application after hearing arguments from the agency and Khan’s counsel. The court held that custodial interrogation was necessary to investigate the alleged money trail and examine the involvement of multiple entities.
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Why Did the ED Seek Custody of Azam Khan?
The ED told the court that its investigation had identified alleged proceeds of crime amounting to ₹426.46 crore in connection with the university project and associated financial transactions.
Representing the agency, counsel Kuldeep Srivastava submitted that the investigation originated from 26 FIRs involving allegations of land grabbing, extortion and diversion of government funds and contracts.
The agency alleged that Khan had remained evasive and uncooperative during statements previously recorded under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Investigators argued that custodial interrogation was required to examine financial transactions routed through multiple banking channels, identify the ultimate beneficiaries and trace the alleged proceeds of crime.
The ED also sought to confront Khan with digital and documentary evidence, along with statements obtained from witnesses, donors and contractors.
The agency expressed concern that Khan’s local influence could potentially affect witnesses or evidence during the investigation.
After considering these submissions, the court found sufficient grounds to permit further questioning in custody.
What Arguments Did Azam Khan’s Lawyer Present?
Opposing the ED’s application, Khan’s counsel Yassir Abbasi argued that the former MP was approximately 79 years old and suffered from multiple age-related medical conditions.
He submitted that Khan’s medical records were already available before the court and questioned the necessity of further custodial interrogation.
The defence also challenged the timing of the arrest, noting that the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) had been registered in 2019, while Khan was arrested more than seven years later.
Abbasi argued that the agency had taken Khan into custody immediately after his release from Rampur district jail on October 31, 2026.
The defence maintained that the fresh custody application was intended to harass Khan rather than serve a genuine investigative requirement.
However, the court rejected these objections, holding that the nature of the alleged economic offence and the need to establish the financial trail justified custodial interrogation.
The court granted the application under Section 187(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, read with Sections 19 and 65 of the PMLA.
How Is the ₹426 Crore Case Linked to Jauhar University?
The money laundering investigation relates to allegations concerning the acquisition of land and financial transactions associated with Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur.
According to the ED, the case originated from 26 FIRs registered against Khan in connection with alleged land grabbing and other financial irregularities.
Based on these cases, the agency registered an ECIR on August 1, 2019, and initiated an investigation under the PMLA.
The ED has alleged that Khan occupied land belonging to farmers and subsequently established the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust, which runs the university.
Investigators have also alleged that illegal collections were made from contractors and other individuals during the university’s construction.
The agency claims to have identified transactions amounting to approximately ₹426.46 crore as alleged proceeds of crime.
Khan was arrested by the ED shortly after his release from Rampur district jail on October 31. He was produced before a Ghaziabad court the following day and remanded to judicial custody at Dasna district jail.
With the latest order, the ED has obtained four days to question Khan about the alleged financial transactions, identify potential beneficiaries and examine evidence collected during its investigation.
The allegations remain under investigation, and the custody order does not constitute a finding of guilt.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
