AZAM KHAN'S BRIEF FREEDOM ENDS AT JAIL GATES AS ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE ARRESTS SAMAJWADI PARTY LEADER AGAIN

October 31, 2026

Senior Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) outside Rampur district jail on Saturday, October 31, just minutes after being released following nearly 11 months in custody. His son, Abdullah Azam, was also released from the prison but was able to return home, while his father was taken into custody by the central investigative agency in connection with a separate money-laundering investigation.

The fresh arrest is connected to the Enforcement Directorate's investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust and Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur. The investigation concerns allegations of illegal land acquisition, diversion of government funds and construction materials, and the use of allegedly unauthorised financial resources for developing the university campus. The agency has been investigating the matter under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Reacting to his arrest immediately after walking out of prison, Khan reportedly expressed anguish and declared, "Musalmaan hone ki saza hai" (This is the punishment for being a Muslim). He further questioned the circumstances surrounding his legal troubles, claiming that establishing an educational institution for children had become the subject of criminal proceedings. His remarks reflected his allegation that he was being targeted because of his religious identity and the establishment of the university.

The ED's investigation has also involved the attachment of land and buildings belonging to the university, whose estimated current market value has been assessed at approximately ₹1,170 crore. The agency has separately identified ₹426.46 crore as alleged proceeds of crime. These figures represent the agency's assessment and allegations, rather than a final judicial determination of criminal liability.

The latest arrest demonstrates that Khan's release on bail in one set of cases did not prevent the Enforcement Directorate from proceeding with a separate investigation. The agency is expected to produce him before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court in Ghaziabad. The investigation into the financial transactions, property acquisitions and alleged diversion of public resources associated with the university remains ongoing.