ED Raids Azam Khan’s Trust and University

The Enforcement Directorate raided properties linked to Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust and Azam Khan’s university in Uttar Pradesh as part of a money laundering probe. The raid took place on August 19, 2026, at locations in Rampur, Saharanpur, and Delhi’s Jamia Nagar, with security from the CRPF present.

This action followed the ED filing a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The properties searched included those belonging to a chartered accountant in Saharanpur, two companies, and their promoters, all connected to the Trust.

The investigation focuses on alleged misuse of government contract funds through private contractors, with some money diverted to create assets for the Trust and university, according to ED officials.

Azam Khan, a jailed Samajwadi Party leader and former state minister, is one of the main trustees of the Lucknow-based Trust. The Trust runs Muhammad Ali Jauhar University, established in 2006, and a public school in Rampur.

The university recently faced issues when the Rampur Development Authority ordered the demolition of most of its buildings, claiming they were built without proper approval. Students protested, citing disruption to their studies. After intervention by the divisional commissioner, the demolition was halted until further orders.

Opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party, criticized the raid and demolition actions, accusing political motivations. They urged authorities to ensure all legal procedures were followed before taking any action.