Satyendar Jain, a former Delhi minister and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been granted bail by a local court in connection with a money laundering case. Jain was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over two years ago.
In May 2023, the Supreme Court had granted him interim bail on medical grounds, but he returned to Tihar Jail after a regular bail request was denied in March. Special judge Vishal Gogne stated, “Considering the delay in trial and long incarceration of 18 months, and the fact that the trial will take a long time to start, let alone conclude, the accused is favourably suited for the relief,” according to news agency PTI.
Jain is the third AAP leader to receive bail in recent months, following former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail last month and ex-deputy Manish Sisodia’s in August, both related to accusations of money laundering linked to a new liquor policy in the capital.
AAP leaders have consistently claimed that the central government is using investigative agencies for political gain, especially in light of upcoming elections. The ED’s case against Jain is based on a first information report (FIR) filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation in 2017, alleging money laundering involving companies connected to him.
In response to Jain’s release, Sisodia expressed gratitude towards the judiciary, stating, “Satyendar Jain was kept in jail for such a long time by making false and baseless allegations. His house was raided four times. Nothing was found, yet he was kept in jail… Thanks to the judiciary for supporting truth and justice.” Kejriwal also welcomed Jain’s return on social media, stating, “Welcome back Satyendar.”
Jain’s lawyer argued that further custody would serve no purpose, while the ED opposed the bail application, citing concerns over potential witness tampering.
