ED raids SP leader Azam Khan's Trust and university in Uttar Pradesh
The premises include those belonging to a chartered accountant in Saharanpur, two companies and their promoters, who are linked to the Trust
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at several locations linked to the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust and University on August 19, 2026. The investigation is part of a money laundering probe, following a booking under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED raided premises in Rampur, Saharanpur, and Delhi's Jamia Nagar, including those of a chartered accountant, two companies, and their promoters, all associated with the Trust.
The alleged wrongdoing involves the diversion of government contract funds through private contractors, which were then used to create assets for the Trust and the university. Azam Khan, a jailed Samajwadi Party leader and the main trustee of the Trust, along with family members and associates, was the target of the investigation.
The Trust operates the Muhammad Ali Jauhar University, founded in 2006, and a public school in Rampur. Recently, the university faced a controversy when the Rampur Development Authority (RDA) directed the university administration to demolish 38 out of 40 buildings, claiming they were constructed without approval under the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973.
The students protested the demolition, citing concerns about studies disruption. The divisional commissioner later stayed the demolition order, providing temporary relief to the institution. Opposition parties have criticized the action against the university as a political vendetta, urging a thorough examination of all legal aspects before taking any further steps.
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