ED Gets Presidential Nod to Prosecute AAP’s Satyendar Jain:

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) permission to prosecute AAP leader and former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain in a money laundering case, intensifying legal troubles for the senior Aam Aadmi Party leader.

Jain, who was arrested in May 2022 over alleged hawala transactions, was granted bail in October 2023 after spending 18 months in jail. Special Judge Vishal Gogne, citing trial delays and prolonged incarceration, ruled that Jain's release was necessary as the trial had yet to begin.

Why is Satyendar Jain Facing Prosecution?

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sought presidential sanction under Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which allows the prosecution of public servants for misconduct. The ED's findings reportedly provided "sufficient evidence" to proceed against Jain.

With presidential approval secured, the ED is set to file a supplementary chargesheet detailing its investigation.

The Alleged ₹27.7 Crore Money Trail

Investigators claim that Jain, his associates, and family members were involved in a money laundering operation worth ₹27.7 crore routed through five shell companies to purchase 123 acres of land.

Companies Allegedly Used for Laundering Money

Prayas Infosolutions Pvt Ltd
Indo Metal Impex Pvt Ltd
JJ Ideal Estate Pvt Ltd
Akinchan Developers Pvt Ltd
Mangalyatan Projects Pvt Ltd

Jain’s chartered accountant JP Mohta and three Kolkata-based hawala operators—Jivendra Mishra, Abhishek Chokhani, and Rajendra Bansal—allegedly admitted that Jain controlled all five companies through his wife, relatives, and associates.

How the Alleged Hawala Operation Worked

Cash was routed through hawala dealers in exchange for ‘entries’ (unsecured loans) in these shell firms.
These ‘loans’ were later converted into legal transactions for land acquisition.
A total of ₹27.69 crore was reportedly used to buy land parcels.

Satyendar Jain’s Political Background

Jain held key ministerial portfolios in the Delhi government, including Health, Power, and PWD.

He served as Delhi minister from December 2013 to February 2014 and again from February 2015 until his arrest in May 2022.
The case against him is one of several legal challenges faced by the AAP government amid allegations of financial misconduct.

What Happens Next?

With the ED receiving presidential sanction, the agency is expected to file a supplementary chargesheet soon. This development could intensify legal scrutiny on Jain and put further pressure on the AAP leadership.

As the case progresses, the focus will be on how Jain defends himself against the serious allegations of money laundering and misuse of shell companies.