Samajwadi Party’s Azam Khan was sent to 14-day judicial custody

Samajwadi Party President Mohammad Azam Khan arrives at a special PMLA court in connection with a money laundering case in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Sunday, November 1, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI

Veteran Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and former Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan was arrested and remanded in 14-day judicial custody by a special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Ghaziabad on Sunday (November 1, 2026).

The ED initiated an investigation based on 26 First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by UP Police at Azeem Nagar Police Station, Rampur in July 2019 against Mr. Khan and others, under Sections 323, 342, 384, 447, 504 and 506 of the Penal Code, that the agricultural land originally belonging to FIR 018 farmers in Singankhera village, Rampur, was forcibly cast for Mohammad Ali Jauhar University. It is alleged that the farmers were forced to execute sale deeds in favor of the university by assault, illegal detention and threats.

“Directorate of Enforcement, Lucknow Zonal Office, arrested Mohammad Azam Khan, Founder of Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust and Chancellor of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, Rampur on 31.10.2026 under the provisions of PMLA, 2002, in case 14 which Hecus sent to the money laundering court case. Hon’ble Special Court PMLA, Ghaziabad,” said an official statement issued ED.

“During investigation, the ED found that funds and material meant for public works were diverted to the university, government works were carried out on its private campus and funds from contractors awarded government contracts were diverted back to the Trust as donations. According to the ED, an FIR under the provisions of BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), 1982 PC (Prevention of the PC) Act was registered on 13.10.2026 and 28 other FIRs registered in Rampur for robbery, extortion, fraud and forgery have also been brought up for investigation,” the statement added.

“In this case, the ED has also provisionally attached the lands and buildings of the University held by the Trust to the extent of ₹ 426.46 crore under the provisions of PMLA on 28.10.2026. The present value of the attached property is around ₹ 1,170 crore,” it said.

In August 2026, the ED conducted searches at the university and related premises in Rampur under the provisions of the PMLA. During the searches, incriminating documents and electronic devices were seized, according to the ED. The investigation into the case continues.

Published – November 1, 2026 10:30 PM IST