Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Azam Khan was sent to 14 days of judicial custody by a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ghaziabad on Sunday. The case is linked to alleged money laundering involving Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar University and the Jauhar Trust.

ED Had Sought Custody for Questioning
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had sought 14 days of custody to question Khan in connection with alleged money laundering and financial irregularities linked to the university and trust. However, Khan’s lawyers opposed the agency’s remand application during the court proceedings. After hearing the matter, the court ordered 14 days of judicial custody.

Arrested Shortly After Release From Rampur Jail
Khan was taken into ED custody on Saturday shortly after being released from Rampur jail. He had secured bail from the Allahabad High Court in a case related to possession of two PAN cards and walked out of prison on Saturday evening. His fresh arrest triggered protests by Samajwadi Party leaders and workers.

‘What Is There Left to Say?’ Azam Khan Responds to Media
Security arrangements were tightened when Khan was brought before the Ghaziabad court amid a large media presence. When journalists asked whether he wanted to say anything, he replied, “What is there left to say?” Following the court order, he is expected to be lodged in Dasna Jail in Ghaziabad. Jail authorities have said that standard procedures apply to all new inmates, who are initially accommodated in a general barrack.

ED’s Allegations in the Jauhar Trust Case
According to ED sources, 26 cases were registered against Khan in 2019, following which the agency initiated proceedings under the PMLA on August 1, 2019. During its investigation, the ED alleged that land belonging to farmers was illegally occupied for establishing the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust in Rampur. The agency has also alleged that illegal collections were made from contractors and others during the university’s construction, generating around ₹426 crore. These are allegations by the investigating agency, and the matter remains subject to judicial proceedings.