New Delhi, February 10, 2025 – The Delhi police lodged an FIR against Amanatullah Khan, the Aam Aadmi Party MLA, for his alleged involvement in leading an assault on a police team in Jamia Nagar, which allegedly facilitated the escape of Shabaz Khan, who is wanted in an attempted murder case.
As per police sources, the Crime Branch of Delhi police was said to be conducting an operation in Jamia Nagar to catch Shabaz Khan. In this attempt, the supporters of MLA Amanatullah Khan reportedly attacked the police team.
A fight broke out and the suspect was free to escape. Amanatullah Khan had been there when the accused managed to escape.
Official Statement
Confirming the lodging of an FIR against Amanatullah Khan and his followers, a senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “The FIR is registered for obstructing public servants in their duty and aiding the escape of a declared offender. We are in the process of lodging an FIR against Amanatullah Khan and his supporters for obstructing public servants from discharging their duties.”
After that, a Delhi police team visited Amanatullah Khan’s residence in Okhla in connection with a case against him. However, Khan was not there; then, the police searched the house thoroughly and then left. So, the search for the MLA was launched again and his arrest was indented.
Political Context
Amanatullah Khan was just elected for his third consecutive term as the MLA of the Okhla constituency in the Delhi Assembly elections.
He won the seat by 23639 votes over BJP candidate Manish Chaudhary. Khan scored 88943 votes while Chaudhary got 65304 votes.
The Okhla constituency, recognized for its varied demographics, encompasses areas such as Jamia Nagar, Abul Fazal Enclave, and Sarita Vihar. This region has been a bastion of support for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with Amanatullah Khan serving as its representative since 2015.
Legal History
Amanatullah Khan’s legal troubles are not new. In 2016, he was taken into custody on accusations of threatening a woman with rape and murder.
By March 2022, police labeled him a “history-sheeter” and classified him as having a “bad character,” referencing several first information reports (FIRs) filed against him. Subsequently, in May 2022, he was arrested while protesting an anti-encroachment initiative.
His legal issues continued when he faced arrest in September 2022 related to corruption allegations involving the Delhi Waqf Board; however, he secured bail following multiple days in detention.
In 2024, authorities from the Enforcement Directorate apprehended him over alleged financial misconduct and unlawful hiring practices that occurred during his term as chair of the Delhi Waqf Board from 2018 to 2022.
Reactions and Implications
This latest incident has triggered considerable political fallout. Opposition factions have accused the AAP of fostering an environment where disregard for laws is rampant among its members.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for stringent measures against Khan, stressing the necessity for accountability among elected officials.
Conversely, members of the AAP have rallied behind Khan, suggesting that these charges stem from political motivations aimed at undermining their party’s standing.
They assert that law enforcement actions appear to be influenced by external political pressures seeking to tarnish the image of their leaders.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
As investigations continue to unfold, Amanatullah Khan confronts severe legal challenges ahead. Should evidence substantiate his guilt, repercussions could include substantial penalties such as imprisonment or disqualification from future public office roles.
Furthermore, this case invites broader discussions regarding the conduct expected from public officials and raises critical concerns about maintaining integrity within political institutions across the nation.
