MHA sanctions CBI inquiry against AAP leader Satyendar Jain
What's the story
The Union Home Ministry has sanctioned a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain, as reported by ANI. Jain, currently in custody, is under investigation for allegedly extorting Rs. 10 crore from conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar as "protection money". Former Tihar Jail Director General Sandeep Goel is also implicated in the allegations, accused of participating in an extortion scheme within Tihar Jail.
Extortion claims
Allegations of extortion scheme in Tihar Jail
The allegations against Jain and Goel involve orchestrating an extortion scheme within Tihar Jail, soliciting protection money from high-profile prisoners. Earlier this year, Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena had also approved a CBI investigation into these claims against Jain. The CBI, in a letter to the LG, stated that Jain was suspected of managing this extortion scheme from Tihar Jail and demanding ₹10 crore as "protection money" from Chandrashekhar.
Accusations detailed
Chandrashekhar accuses Jain of coercion for protection money
Chandrashekhar, the conman who made these allegations, stated that Jain forced him to pay money in several installments between 2018-21. The payments were either made directly or via Jain's associates. According to him, this was to ensure his "peaceful and comfortable" stay in various Delhi jails—Tihar, Rohini, and Mandoli.
Legal proceedings
Jain's incarceration and bail rejection
Jain was taken into custody in May 2022 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. His most recent bail application was rejected by the Supreme Court in March this year, with the court directing him to surrender in relation to the money laundering case. Following a fall in jail that necessitated a spinal operation, Jain was granted temporary medical bail on May 26, 2023.