AAP leader Satyendar Jain gets bail after 18 months of jail

A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi cabinet minister, Satyendar Jain, in a money laundering case. Jain had been in custody since May 30, 2022, after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on charges of laundering money through four companies allegedly linked to him.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne, presiding over the case, granted Jain the relief, citing the prolonged delay in trial proceedings and his 18 months of incarceration. “Considering the delay in trial and long incarceration of 18 months, and the fact that trial will take long to start, let alone conclude, accused is favourably suited for the relief,” said the judge in his ruling.

The court allowed Jain’s release on a bail bond of Rs 50,000, along with two sureties of the same amount. The decision has brought relief to the senior AAP leader, whose arrest had drawn attention to allegations of financial misconduct involving political figures.

Jain's case stems from accusations that he laundered money through four shell companies that were allegedly associated with him. The ED had been investigating these charges as part of a broader effort to combat corruption and financial irregularities. Jain, however, has consistently denied the allegations, claiming political vendetta behind his arrest.