Azam Khan Sent to 14-Day Judicial Custody in PMLA Case
SP leader Azam Khan sent to Dasna Jail after ED arrest in money laundering case involving Mohammad Ali Jauhar University.
In a dramatic turn of events, Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Azam Khan has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody. The decision came after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) produced the 78-year-old politician before the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Court in Ghaziabad on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Special Judge Avanish Kumar Pandey passed the order following the court appearance at roughly 10:30 AM, leading to Khan's immediate transfer to the Dasna District Jail.
A Whirlwind Arrest
The timing of the arrest has drawn significant attention. Azam Khan was apprehended by the ED on October 31, 2026—mere moments after he had stepped out of the Rampur District Jail. He had been granted bail in a separate forgery case involving the alleged use of dual PAN cards, only to be intercepted by federal agents immediately upon his release.
The Core of the Money Laundering Probe
The current legal battle stems from an investigation launched by the ED in 2019. The probe focuses on allegations of massive financial irregularities linked to the Mohammad Ali Jauhar University and the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust.
According to the federal agency, there are serious allegations that government funds and resources were illegally diverted. The ED claims that contractors were used as conduits to channel these funds toward the construction and overall development of the university.
Massive Asset Attachments
The scale of the investigation is reflected in the assets recently targeted by the agency. The ED has provisionally attached various buildings and land parcels associated with the university. While the book value of these assets is cited at Rs 426.46 crore, their estimated market value is significantly higher, reaching approximately Rs 1,170 crore.
This federal investigation is bolstered by several First Information Reports (FIRs) previously lodged by the Uttar Pradesh Police.
Political Backlash and Legal Challenges
Azam Khan has not remained silent about his detention. He has framed the ED's actions as a targeted campaign, claiming that he is being "punished for being a Muslim" and for his dedication to building educational institutions for the community.
His legal representatives have echoed this sentiment, describing the arrest as unconstitutional. The defense team has already announced their intention to escalate the matter, stating they plan to challenge the proceedings before the Supreme Court of India.