Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan was detained by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday, just minutes after his release from Rampur jail on bail. ED officials took him into custody outside the prison in connection with an alleged money laundering case. An official from the agency's Lucknow zonal office confirmed the development to Hindustan Times. "We have apprehended Azam Khan. After following arrest procedures, we will arrest him and produce before Ghaziabad, PMLA court,” the official said. The ED is investigating alleged financial irregularities involving the former Uttar Pradesh Cabinet minister, the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust and others. Earlier on Wednesday, the agency attached land and buildings belonging to Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur. The ED estimated the properties' current market value at approximately ₹1,170 crore. The university stands in Jauhar Nagar village. The Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust owns and operates it. Azam Khan founded the trust and controls its activities. He also serves as the university's honorary chancellor.

ED Detains Azam Khan Minutes After Jail Release

Khan's release from Rampur jail lasted only a few minutes before the ED took him into custody. The agency detained him outside the prison as part of its ongoing money laundering investigation. ED officials will complete the arrest formalities and produce him before the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ghaziabad. The case involves alleged financial irregularities linked to the university and the trust.

Azam Khan Calls Detention ‘Punishment for Being a Muslim’

Azam Khan criticised the ED's action and linked it to his religious identity. "What's left there to say. It's the punishment for being a Muslim. The mistake was, a Muslim built the university, this is the crime; made schools for children, this is the crime." He made the remarks shortly after the agency detained him outside Rampur jail.

Heavy Security Outside Rampur Jail During ED Operation

The authorities deployed a large contingent of central paramilitary forces and police personnel during the operation. Officials from the ED's Lucknow zonal office also took part in the proceedings. Meanwhile, Khan's supporters gathered outside the jail and raised slogans in his favour. The security deployment helped authorities manage the situation during his detention.

Allahabad High Court Grants Bail to Azam Khan and Son

In a separate legal development, the Allahabad High Court suspended the sentences of Azam Khan and his son, Abdullah Azam Khan, on Thursday. The case relates to allegations that both used dual PAN cards. The court also granted bail to the two Samajwadi Party leaders. However, the ED detained Azam Khan in a separate money laundering case shortly after his release from Rampur jail.

ED Identifies Assets Worth ₹426.46 Crore as Alleged Crime Proceeds

The Enforcement Directorate is investigating alleged financial irregularities involving Mohammad Ali Jauhar University under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ED's Lucknow zonal office said its investigation had identified assets worth ₹426.46 crore as alleged proceeds of crime. The agency suspects that funds and resources meant for other purposes helped finance the university's construction.

ED Alleges Diversion of Government Funds and Construction Materials

According to the ED, government funds, construction materials and donations from contractors went towards building the university campus. These contractors had received contracts for public infrastructure projects. The agency alleges that some resources linked to these projects were diverted to the university. The investigation focuses on the alleged misuse of public funds and other financial resources.

ED Attaches University Properties Worth ₹1,170 Crore

The ED attached land and buildings belonging to Mohammad Ali Jauhar University on Wednesday. The agency estimated the current market value of these properties at approximately ₹1,170 crore. To calculate the attachment value, investigators compared the estimated construction cost of the campus with the expenditure they considered backed by legitimate financial sources. The agency treated the difference as part of its assessment of the alleged proceeds of crime. The property attachment and Azam Khan's detention mark major developments in the ED's ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering involving the former Uttar Pradesh minister and the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust.