Azam Khan Produced Before Ghaziabad Court in Money Laundering Case
SP leader Azam Khan appears in Ghaziabad court as ED investigates money laundering allegations involving Mohammad Ali Jauhar University.
In a dramatic turn of legal events, senior Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Azam Khan was produced before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ghaziabad on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The appearance follows a swift transition from one detention to another, as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) took custody of the veteran politician just as he stepped out of jail.
From Rampur Jail to ED Custody
The timing of the ED's intervention was precise. Azam Khan had been held at the Rampur District Jail in connection with a separate legal battle involving allegations of possessing dual PAN cards. However, as soon as he was released from the Rampur facility on Saturday, October 31, 2026, federal investigators from the ED took him into custody to face questioning regarding a massive money laundering probe.
The Core of the Allegations: University Funds
The ED's investigation centers on the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust and the Mohammad Ali Jauhar University. Federal investigators have alleged a serious financial irregularity, claiming that government funds intended for specific purposes were illegally diverted to facilitate the construction of the university.
The scale of the probe is immense. As part of the ongoing investigation, the agency has already provisionally attached various buildings and land parcels belonging to the university. The estimated market value of these attached assets is approximately Rs 1,170 crore.
"What Can I Say?": Khan Reacts to Charges
Upon arriving at the court premises, a visibly frustrated Azam Khan did not hold back his emotions. When questioned about the mounting legal challenges, he expressed a sense of helplessness and exhaustion, stating, "What is left to say? What can I say?"
Khan further alleged that the legal onslaught is not merely about financial discrepancies but is a targeted attack based on his identity and his efforts in establishing the educational institution.
Legal Battle Moves Toward Supreme Court
The legal fight is far from over. Azam Khan is backed by a high-profile legal team, including senior advocate Kapil Sibal. Reports indicate that his lawyers are preparing to challenge the actions of the Enforcement Directorate before the Supreme Court of India.
High Security Deployment
Given the political stature of the leader and the sensitivity of the case, the Ghaziabad court premises were turned into a fortress. A heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces was stationed around the area to maintain order as legal representatives and supporters gathered for the proceedings.