The Aam Aadami Party (AAP) may have a sign of relief as its leader and former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain has been granted bail in a money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him in May 2022.

FIR Lodged In 2017

Based on an FIR lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the ED arrested Jain, who has been languishing in jail. The CBI lodged the FIR in 2017, accusing the then-Delhi minister of money laundering through four companies allegedly linked to him. The ED said before the arrest that the agency’s investigation revealed that the companies “beneficially owned and controlled” by Jain “received accommodation to the tune of Rs 4.81 crore from shell companies against cash transferred to Kolkata-based entry operators through the Hawala route”.

AAP: We Have Become Stronger

Reacting to the bail of Satyendar Jain, AAP Delhi Convenor Gopal Rai said, “This is good news for the people of Delhi. I thank the Court that today they have given a big decision. The BJP government tried everything in its power to put our leaders in jail and today all leaders are out of jail…We have become even stronger after the bail granted to Satyendar Jain.”

Judge: Accused Suitable For Relief

According to news agency PTI, Special Judge Vishal Gogne said that Considering the delay in trial and long incarceration of 18 months, and the fact that the trial would take a long time to start, let alone conclude, the accused is favourably suited for the relief.

Big Boost For AAP?

Satyendra Jain’s bail may serve as a big booster for the AAP after former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal got bail last month after languishing in jail for five months. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was granted bail in August. Both of the leaders were charged with money laundering in making a new liquor policy for Delhi.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led party has been alleging that the Centre used the central agencies against them for political vendetta ahead of electoral battles.

Arvind Kejriwal: Satyendar Jain Was Innocent

Reacting to the bail granted to the former Delhi minister, Arvind Kejriwal said that Satyendar Jain had to suffer in jail for two years, there were numerous raids on his home, and no money was recovered, but he was put in jail.

Satyendar Jain’s Wife Thanks Judiciary

Thanking the court and the judiciary, Satyendar Jain’s wife Poonam Jain said it was tough but she and the family had faith because Jain had not done anything wrong in his entire life. She said further that he had been waiting for this for a long time.

Jain’s lawyer told the court that no purpose would be served by keeping the AAP leader in custody further. The Enforcement Directorate opposed the bail application on the suspicion that the former minister may influence witnesses.