ED Raids 10 Locations Linked to Azam Khan, Jauhar University in UP, Delhi

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday raided several premises of Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in relation to the money laundering case involving the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust and Mohammad Ali Jauhar University.

Did ED raid locations linked to Azam Khan?

The ED on Wednesday carried out raids in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur and Saharanpur and Delhi in connection with Azam Khan.

The officials said that around 10 premises in Rampur and Saharanpur of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi are being raided in connection with the case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

This investigation deals with the alleged diversion of government contract funds through private contractors and their subsequent utilisation, including the creation of assets related to the university and its trust.

What did the official say?

Officials said the case pertains to the alleged "diversion of government contract funds through private contractors and their subsequent utilisation, including for creation of assets of the university and trust."

"The investigation has also revealed financial transactions between certain contractors and the trust and contractors allegedly benefited from Government contracts diverted funds towards the trust and university, including substantial donations and construction works," the officials said.

These searches have been undertaken to trace the alleged proceeds of crime, along with financial records, documents and digital evidences regarding the diversion and utilisation of government funds.

The Lucknow-based Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust, whose main trustees include former Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Azam Khan along with other family members and associates, runs the Muhammad Ali Jauhar University and a public school in Rampur district.

What is the reason of probe?

The investigators have identified financial transactions between certain contractors and the trust. The probe has also revealed that contractors who have allegedly benefited from government contracts diverted funds towards the university and trust through substantial donations and payments for construction works, officials said.

These searches have been made to trace the alleged proceeds of crime and financial records, documents and digital evidences related to the diversion and utilisation of government funds.