New Delhi: In a significant development, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi government minister Satyendra Jain has been granted conditional bail in the high-profile money laundering case. Jain, who spent nearly 18 months in jail, is expected to walk free today, October 18, after posting a personal bond of Rs 50,000. However, his release comes with strict restrictions imposed by the court, which prevent him from leaving the country or contacting witnesses related to the case.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which arrested Jain in May 2022, opposed his bail, citing the gravity of the charges. Despite their objections, the court ruled in favor of Jain, noting his prolonged time in custody. His bail conditions include a ban on international travel without prior court approval and a strict prohibition against any contact with individuals connected to the case.
Jain’s release has sparked both celebration and criticism. His daughter, Shreya Jain, expressed joy and relief, stating, “We always knew this day would come; it’s just a matter of time. For us, this Diwali has come early. We are welcoming this moment with great happiness.”
AAP Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also weighed in, taking to social media platform X to defend Jain and criticize the arrest. “Satyendra Jain has spent over two years in jail for no fault of his own. The only thing he did was build Mohalla clinics and make healthcare free for the people of Delhi. Modi ji jailed him to stop this welfare initiative. But today, God has delivered justice,” Kejriwal posted.
Satyendra Jain, a prominent figure in the Delhi government, was arrested by the ED on May 30, 2022, on allegations of money laundering. His case is part of a broader crackdown on AAP leaders, with Jain being the fourth member of the party after Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh to face legal challenges related to financial crimes.
As Jain prepares to re-enter the public sphere, the political landscape is set for heated debates over the allegations and the larger implications for the Aam Aadmi Party’s governance model, particularly its focus on public healthcare and social welfare reforms.
