AAP leader Satyendar Jain being produced before the Rouse Avenue Court in a money laundering case, in New Delhi, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to AAP leader and former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain in a money laundering case, citing "delay in trial" and his "long incarceration".
Jain was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on May 30, 2022, on the charge of laundering money through four companies allegedly linked to him. He is currently in judicial custody.
"Considering the delay in trial and a long incarceration of 18 months, and the fact that the trial will take long to start, let alone conclude, accused is favourably suited for the relief," held Special Judge Vishal Gogne.
The judge, who also issued a release warrant for Jain, granted the relief on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with one surety of like amount.
The moment judge pronounced the order, Jain's wife Poonam and daughter Shreya, who were present in the courtroom, broke down.
Shreya spoke to mediapersons later and said Diwali had arrived early for the family.
"We always knew this would happen and it was only a matter of time. We are happy that the court gave us justice. Diwali is approaching and we think it has come early for us this year, and we are happy and enthusiastic for him," she told the court.
Poonam shared that she had kept her hopes alive. "It was a tough time for us, but I always had faith because he has never done any wrong in his life. We have waited for very long," she said.
The ED case stems from an FIR lodged against Jain by the CBI in 2017 under the Prevention of Corruption Act