The Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has sought the removal of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan from the post of Delhi Waqf Board Chairman. In a letter to the Lieutenant-Governor’s Secretariat, the ACB claimed that Khan's “criminal and bullying nature” was “preventing witnesses from speaking against him” and thus preventing a fair investigation in a corruption case against the leader.
In the letter, SK Gautam, then Special Commissioner of Police (ACB), said the witnesses in the case were afraid of the Legislator due to his "aggressive behaviour" and his position in the Delhi Waqf Board.
The case against him pertains to "financial bungling" in the bank accounts of the Waqf Board, creation of tenancy in Waqf Board properties, "corruption" in purchase of vehicles and "illegal appointment" of 33 people in the Delhi Waqf Board in violation of the service rules, among others, the sources said. “People are afraid of Mr. Amanatullah Khan because of his bullying nature and past record which is preventing witnesses from making a statement against him freely & fairly. Therefore, fair investigation can't be conducted in this case as long as Mr. Amanatullah Khan continues to hold the office of Chairman of Delhi Waqf Board,” the letter read.
“As on date there are 23 criminal cases registered against him. Out of these 23 cases, two case are pending trial, seven cases are pending investigation with various police stations (including one case with CBI)…..In view of the above, it is requested that Mr. Amanatullah Khan, may be removed from the Board of Delhi Waqf Board, till the conclusion of investigation in the above said case,” the ACB chief wrote.
The ACB letter comes in wake of a report submitted by the Investigating Officer (IO), which stated that the matter of tenancies, expenditure and bank account signatories is being taken up for gathering supporting evidence. “In the instant case also, Mr. Amanatullah Khan has reportedly misbehaved with the then CEOs of Delhi Waqf Board namely Mr MA Abid and Shamim Akhtar Tamanna.
The witnesses examined are found to be under extreme fear due to the criminal nature and behavior of Mr. Amanatullah Khan. One of the witnesses also alleged that Mr. Amanatullah Khan even got important documents removed from her residence forcibly,” the IO’s report said.
It has been established that Mr. Amanatullah Khan appointed his four blood relatives (cousins) in Delhi Waqf Board on the basis of walk-in interviews in total disregard to the laid down procedures,” the report said. “Firoz Khan is a resident of the Okhla Assembly constituency represented by Amanatullah Khan and also reportedly a political party worker.
While Firoz Khan is getting a salary of Rs 44,000/- from the Waqf Board, he was nominated by Delhi Government as Member of the Governing body of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, Sheikh Sarai, and in July 2020, Firoz Khan became the Chairman of the Governing body of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College,” it said.
Delhi BJP President Adesh Gupta on Wednesday demanded the dismissal of Amanatullah Khan from his post and said that Delhi knows what kind of leader he is. “He is facing 23 criminal cases and is very special to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Despite that he was not removed,” Gupta said while addressing a press conference.
