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Satyendar Jain, a former Delhi minister and prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been granted bail by a local court after spending over two years in custody for a money laundering case. This decision comes after a long legal battle and accusations of political vendetta by the AAP against the ruling BJP government.
Jain was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in May 2021. His detention was based on a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2017, alleging money laundering through companies linked to him. While the ED maintained that Jain posed a risk of influencing witnesses, his lawyer argued that keeping him in custody served no purpose as the trial was likely to take a significant amount of time. The court ultimately agreed, citing the long period of incarceration and the protracted nature of the trial.
Jain's release follows the bail granted to two other prominent AAP leaders: former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia. Both were accused of money laundering in connection with the framing of a new liquor policy for the capital. This pattern of arrests and legal battles has led the AAP to allege that the BJP government is using investigative agencies to target its leaders and hinder its political ambitions. The BJP has consistently denied these accusations.
Jain's bail highlights the ongoing tension between the AAP and the BJP, which are locked in a fierce political battle in Delhi. The case has raised concerns about the use of investigative agencies for political purposes and the potential for misusing the legal system to target political opponents. The legal proceedings against Jain will continue, but his release marks a significant victory for the AAP and raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the investigation.
Source: Former Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain Gets Bail After 2 Years