Delhi Court Grants Bail After 18-Month Incarceration
Former Delhi minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain was granted bail by a Delhi court on Friday in a high-profile money laundering case. Jain, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on May 30, 2022, has spent 18 months behind bars. The case revolves around alleged money laundering activities involving four companies linked to him, dating back to a 2017 investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne, while granting bail, emphasized the prolonged delay in the trial, stating, “Considering the delay in trial and long incarceration of 18 months, and the fact that trial will take long to start, let alone conclude, the accused is favourably suited for the relief.” Jain’s bail was secured on a ₹50,000 bond with two sureties of like amount.
Welcomed by AAP Leaders After Release
Upon his release from Tihar Jail on Friday evening, Jain was greeted by a large crowd of AAP leaders and supporters, including Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. In an emotional address to the gathering, Jain reaffirmed his commitment to fighting injustice, echoing AAP’s long-standing position of being targeted for political reasons.
“We will continue our fight against injustice and work for the common man,” Jain declared, adding, “Arvind Kejriwal works for the common public. He always said that politics is difficult, and those who fight for the people will face challenges. Atishi, you too may face similar trials, but we must stay strong.”
Jain also reflected on his previous arrest in 2013, stating that such events have only strengthened his resolve to support the Aam Aadmi Party and its mission.
Manish Sisodia Lauds the Judiciary’s Role
Reacting to Jain’s release, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia expressed his relief and gratitude on social media. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sisodia wrote, “Satyamev Jayate. Long live the Constitution of the country. Satyendar Jain was kept in jail for so long based on false and baseless allegations. His house was raided four times. Nothing was found, yet he was imprisoned under a false case.”
Sisodia further accused the ruling Central government of using investigative agencies, such as the ED and CBI, to target AAP leaders for political gains, a claim AAP has made consistently during its recent legal battles. He also thanked the judiciary for “supporting truth and justice” in Jain’s case.
Political Hit Jobs Alleged by AAP
The Aam Aadmi Party has alleged that its top leaders have been wrongfully targeted by the central government using enforcement agencies in a bid to disrupt their political momentum ahead of crucial elections. Jain’s case, along with the arrest of other senior AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia in the Delhi excise policy case and Sanjay Singh in the alleged liquor scam, has been at the center of this controversy.
In recent months, the judiciary has provided relief to several senior AAP members. Last month, party convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail by the Supreme Court in connection with a CBI investigation. Sisodia was also granted bail by the apex court in August after spending 17 months in Tihar Jail on charges related to the excise policy case.
Support from Party and Prominent Leaders
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Manish Sisodia, and MP Sanjay Singh, who was also arrested and later granted bail in the liquor policy case, were among those who welcomed Satyendar Jain as he left Tihar Jail. Party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fighting perceived injustices and targeting by the central government.
“Satyamev Jayate. Long live the Constitution,” Sisodia posted on X, while Arvind Kejriwal simply said, “Welcome back, Satyendar.”
(With inputs from agencies)
