Lucknow, November 1 (TNA) The Enforcement Directorate’s Lucknow Zonal Office has arrested Mohammad Azam Khan, founder of the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust and Chancellor of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur, in a money-laundering case.
According to an ED press release dated November 1, Khan was arrested on October 31 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. A special PMLA court in Ghaziabad remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody.
Probe Linked to 26 FIRs
The ED said its investigation was initiated on the basis of 26 FIRs registered by Uttar Pradesh Police at Azeem Nagar police station in Rampur in July 2019. The cases named Khan and others and included allegations under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including assault, wrongful confinement, extortion, trespass, intimidation and criminal conspiracy.
The allegations relate to the claimed forcible occupation of agricultural land belonging to farmers in Singankhera village for the construction of the university. According to the agency, farmers were allegedly coerced through assault, unlawful confinement and threats into executing sale deeds in favour of the trust.
Alleged Diversion of Public Funds
During the investigation, the ED alleged that funds and materials intended for public works were diverted to the university. The agency further claimed that government works were carried out on the university’s private campus and that money received by contractors awarded government contracts was routed back to the trust as donations.
The ED said that, based on information developed during its probe, a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, was registered on October 13, 2026. It added that 28 other FIRs registered in Rampur involving alleged robbery, extortion, cheating and forgery were also taken up for investigation.
Property Worth ₹426.46 Crore Attached
The agency said it had provisionally attached land and buildings of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University held by the trust. The attachment, made under the PMLA on October 28, covers property valued at ₹426.46 crore, while the present market value of the attached assets is estimated at approximately ₹1,170 crore.
Searches Conducted in August
The ED conducted searches in August 2026 at the university and premises linked to it in Rampur. During those searches, investigators seized documents and electronic devices, according to the agency.
The investigation remains ongoing. The allegations made by the ED are subject to judicial scrutiny, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court.