ED files charge sheet against AAP minister Satyendar Jain
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a charge sheet against Delhi minister Satyendar Jain in a money laundering case on Wednesday. Other accused have also been charge sheeted in a money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) minister has been under judicial custody ever since he was arrested on May 30, 2022.
Why does this story matter?
Jain was arrested from his house in New Delhi amid a political fued between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the AAP, which has been gaining fuel since. The AAP has been attacking the BJP at the Centre for misusing the ED and framing Jain for political reasons. ED has also taken action against other Opposition leaders in the recent past.
ED books Jain for money laundering
The ED filed a charge sheet against Jain in a Delhi court. Special judge Geetanjali Rao may take up the matter later on Wednesday. Jain was taken into judicial custody under criminal sections of the PMLA. In its 2017 FIR, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleged that he acquired disproportionate assets during his tenure as a minister between 2015-17.
Jain feigning sickness, claims ED
The ED is also contending that Jain is feigning sickness. It has appealed for Jain to be moved from the LNJP hospital (run by Delhi government), where he has been admitted since July 15. They have petitioned Delhi HC to constitute an independent panel of doctors from the central government, as there are doubts about the "impartial consideration" of his medical condition at LNJP.
Delhi HC dismisses plea seeking suspension
In another development, the Delhi High Court dismissed a plea seeking Jain's suspension from the Delhi cabinet. The plea had been filed by BJP MLA Nand Kishor. Jain and his family are alleged to have formed four fake companies to launder Rs. 11.78 crore in 2011-12 and Rs. 4.63 crore in 2015-16. But the AAP claims that this is an eight-year-long fake case.
Jain in custody since May 30
The ED arrested Jain on May 30 under criminal provisions of the PMLA. The agency has managed to recover Rs. 2 crore in cash and jewelry during raids at Jain's house. Reportedly, Rs. 2.23 crore was recovered from Ram Prakash Jeweller, and Rs. 41.5 lakh—including Rs. 20 lakh in cash and 133 gold coins—were recovered from one Vaibhav Jain.
Jain reportedly bought several shell companies
Jain had allegedly purchased or floated several shell companies in Delhi and also laundered black money worth Rs. 16.39 crore via 54 shell companies of three Kolkata-based hawala operators. Akinchan Developers Private Limited, Indo Metal Impex Private Limited, Paryas Infosolutions Private Limited, Manglayatan Projects Private Limited, and JJ Ideal Estate Private Limited are among some companies in which Jain allegedly owned shares.
Kejriwal terms case against Jain 'completely fraud'
On the other hand, Delhi CM and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal earlier called the case against Jain "completely fraud." "I have personally studied this case, it is completely fraud. We neither tolerate corruption nor we do corruption. We have a very honest government. He has been targeted because of political reasons," Kejriwal had said. However, he said he had complete faith in the judiciary.
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