The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its action in the case linked to Samajwadi Party national general secretary and former minister Azam Khan, the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust and Jauhar University in Rampur.
ED teams reportedly began searches at around 7 am on Wednesday at Azam Khan’s residence on Jail Road, Jauhar University and premises linked to some of his associates.
The action comes after the Income Tax Department had already raised questions about the financial records of the trust and the funds used in the construction of Jauhar University. Investigators are looking into the source of funds used for construction and related activities, as well as the manner in which the trust accounted for the expenditure.
₹494 Crore Construction Expenditure Under Scrutiny
The construction of Jauhar University has been estimated to have involved expenditure of around *₹494 crore*. The Income Tax Department had sought detailed records and supporting documents concerning this expenditure.
The information sought included details of land purchased for the university, construction work, infrastructure development and other related expenses.
According to the information cited in the case, the trust has not been able to provide the complete documentary details sought by the tax authorities. This has brought the financial activities of the trust under greater scrutiny. However, any final conclusion regarding the ₹494 crore expenditure and related allegations will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
Trust Registration Cancelled
The Income Tax Department cancelled the registration of the Jauhar Trust on June 23 over alleged irregularities, including failure to provide complete details of income and expenditure.
Following this, the department issued notices seeking details of the trust’s income and expenditure between *2015 and 2020*. It also sought supporting documents concerning land purchases, construction work, infrastructure and other expenditure related to Jauhar University.
Records of 11 Firms Also Sought
The tax department’s inquiry also focused on 11 firms allegedly linked to donations made to the trust. Records relating to these transactions were sought to establish the nature and source of the funds.
The trust reportedly requested additional time from the Income Tax Department to provide the required records and documents.
ED Had Sought Details of Cases in July
Before the latest searches, the ED had reportedly sought information from the police and administration in July regarding cases registered against Azam Khan.
This development had already raised speculation that the agency could initiate searches in Rampur. The latest searches at premises connected to the trust and university are being viewed as part of the wider investigation.
The documents and other material recovered during the searches will be examined before the agency decides on further action.
ED Had Conducted Preliminary Inquiry in 2022
The ED’s interest in matters related to Jauhar University dates back several years. In *2022*, an ED team had also visited Rampur for a preliminary inquiry into matters connected with the university.
With the agency now conducting fresh searches, the trust’s financial transactions and the source of funds used in the university’s construction have once again come under scrutiny.
Several Cases Against Azam Khan Have Reached Verdicts
Azam Khan has faced several cases over the years, with court proceedings taking place in different matters. According to the information available, verdicts have been delivered in *16 cases* involving him. Eight cases resulted in convictions, while relief or acquittal was granted in eight cases.
A number of cases were registered against him after the change of government in Uttar Pradesh. These cases have involved allegations relating to land, government property, documents and other matters.
Azam Khan is currently serving a prison sentence in Rampur. He was sentenced to 10 years in the case related to two PAN cards. He also received a 10-year sentence in the Dungarpur case.
38 Buildings at Jauhar University Also Under Discussion
Jauhar University has recently faced another administrative issue. The Rampur Development Authority issued an order concerning the demolition of *38 buildings* allegedly constructed without approved maps.
However, the divisional commissioner subsequently imposed an interim stay on the demolition order, providing temporary relief in the matter.
What Happens Next?
Following the searches, the ED is expected to examine documents, financial transactions and the source of funds associated with the trust and university.
If the investigation establishes sufficient evidence of financial irregularities or violations of law, the agency may take further legal action.
For now, the allegations concerning the ₹494 crore expenditure, the trust’s financial records and transactions involving 11 firms remain subject to investigation. Any final conclusion will depend on the findings of the competent authorities.
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