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Pravind Jugnauth, Former Mauritius PM, Arrested Over Money-Laundering Case

February 17, 2025, 1:11 pm

Ex-Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth was arrested on Sunday in connection with a money laundering case. The 63-year-old and his wife, Kobita Jugnauth, were arrested on Saturday. The duo was interrogated by the police for hours, and the police also conducted raids on several other suspects’ houses, seizing huge stocks of cash and luxury goods.

Kobita Jugnauth was subsequently released, while her husband was officially arrested early on Sunday morning. Pravind Jugnauth’s attorney, Raouf Gulbul, said, “He gave his version of events and denied the allegations made against him.” He added that Jugnauth would be brought before a judge later on Sunday for further proceedings.

Raids and Cash Seizures Spark Investigation

The police raided the residences of some of the people associated with the case, including an employee of a local leisure company. The police incident report said officers found documents related to the Jugnauths, as well as luxury watches and piles of different currencies. Authorities also raided the residence of a local real estate executive, where they found suitcases full of cash.

Mauritius Financial Crimes Commission previously asked the police to arrest the Jugnauths and two other suspects if they tried to flee the country. This came in light of current investigations into a high-profile case of money laundering.

Political Background and Recent Defeat

Pravind Jugnauth, the former prime minister of Mauritius between 2017 and 2024, is a member of one of the nation’s most powerful political dynasties. During his tenure, Mauritius regained control of the Chagos Islands in a historic deal with Britain. The Chagos Islands have been a source of contention between the two countries for years.

Jugnauth’s administration suffered a significant setback during the November polls, in which he and his Socialist Movement lost comprehensively. Centre-left prime minister Navin Ramgoolam returned for the third time, reviving the Chagos talks with Britain. The new administration demands increased financial remuneration and redrafting of the lease agreements for a joint UK-US military facility on Diego Garcia.

Despite economic development, Mauritians still grapple with increasing costs of living. Both parties, in their campaigns, had vowed to tackle the financial difficulties of common Mauritians.

Former Nepal Home Minister Being Prosecuted in Rs 1.5 Billion Money Laundering Case

December 22, 2024, 8:44 pm

The police filed the charge sheet against former Nepali Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane on cases of fraud, organised crime and money laundering at the Kaski district in Nepal’s Gandaki Province on Sunday.

The District Government Attorney’s Office filed the charge sheet against Lamichhane and others at the Kaski District Court in connection with the Suryadarshan Cooperative fraud case.

As per the District Attorney’s Office, the police have filed a charge sheet against former DIG Chhabilal Joshi, Lila Pachaai, Ram Bahadur Khanal and Krishna Bahadur Gurung along with Lamichhane on the same three cases. Additionally, cases have been filed against eight companies involved in the scam.

“In the charge sheet, the police determined that as much as Nepali Rupees 1.514 billion needed to be recovered from the accused,” Khyam Narayan Lamichhane, acting registrar at the court said over the phone.

The police who submitted the investigation report last week, had proposed the district attorney file the cases against them on organised crime, cooperative fraud and money laundering charges.

The police report has suggested Lamichhane be sent to jail for four to six years for cooperative fraud, an additional 50 per cent punishment for organised crime, and two to 15 years in prison and a fine of double the embezzled amount for money laundering.

The case alleges that Lamichhane has not disclosed the source of NRs 278,944,705 which is considered to be of illicit origin.

Investigations have revealed assets worth NRs 743,471,550 under Joshi’s name, the origin of which remains undisclosed. Joshi has been in police custody since his arrest.

The District Attorney’s Office has also requested the seizure of assets belonging to Gitendra Babu Rai (GB Rai), who is currently absconding along with Lamichhane and Joshi.

Former Home Minister Lamichhane and former DIG of Nepal Police- Joshi, among others, have been accused of diverting deposits from Pokhara-based Suryadarshan Cooperative, Butwal-based Supreme Cooperative, Chitwan-based Sahara Cooperative, Kathmandu-based Swarnalaxmi Cooperative and Parsa-based Sano Paila Cooperative to Gorkha Media Network that ran the now-defunct Galaxy 4K Television.

Lamichhane, Joshi and Rai, among others, were partners in the media company. Lamichhane quit the media company to join politics in June 2022.

A special parliamentary probe panel was formed to investigate crisis-ridden cooperatives has recommended the concerned government authorities investigate Lamichhane, Rai and Joshi, among others, on charges of cooperative fraud.

Apart from those accused in the case, the Kaski Public Prosecutor’s Office has requested the confiscation of assets linked to Nikita Poudel, spouse of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, in a money laundering case.

“Confiscation of these assets under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2007,” the filing states.

The Public Prosecutor’s office has listed Poudel as the 44th defendant in the case. The asset targeted for confiscation is a house worth Rs 38.5 million, registered in Poudel’s name, located in Budhanilkantha Municipality, Kathmandu. The house was purchased on December 9, 2019.

The charge sheet also requests the confiscation of a 550 square metre plot of land in Kavrepalanchok, which is under Lamichhane’s name. The land was reportedly acquired through a share distribution in 1996.

Additionally, the prosecutor has sought the confiscation of NRs 774,774.59 from the bank accounts of Lamichhane and Poudel, as the source of these funds remains unconfirmed.

The asset forfeiture is part of an investigation into a larger money laundering and cooperative fraud scheme, involving the illegal mobilization of NRs 750 million by the GB Rai Group, linked to Gorkha Media Network.

It is believed that a portion of these funds, including Rs 3.5 million deposited into Poudel’s account, may have been illegally transferred abroad through cryptocurrency or hundi.

The former Home Minister and Chairman of RSP, the fourth largest party in the parliament has denied the charges of charges of money laundering, cooperative fraud, and organized crime in his statement to the Kaski District Police.

The supplementary report prepared by the Kaski District Police Office, which spans 427 pages, includes a six-page section dedicated to Lamichhane’s defence. His statement, spanning pages 16 to 22, addresses the accusations and provides his explanation for the financial transactions in question.

Lamichhane is accused of illegally amassing over Rs 270 million, with the money allegedly originating from Surya Darshan Savings and Loan Cooperative.

In his statement, Lamichhane claims that “the financial dealings associated with his company, Galaxy TV, were conducted in full compliance with legal procedures.”

“Galaxy TV had undergone several stages of approval by government agencies, and all taxes were properly deducted when the company began operations,” Lamichhane said.

“At the time, there was no reason to suspect that the funds received by his company were illegal, asserting that the Money Laundering Act does not account for the situation that I am charged with,” Lamichhane claims.

The accusations against Lamichhane are part of a broader investigation involving 44 individuals, with charges filed against Lamichhane and three others related to money laundering.

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane will soon face automatic suspension from his position as a Member of Parliament following the registration of a money laundering case against him in the Kaski District Court.
The former TV anchor who rose to political fame and got elected twice from Chitwan Constituency No. 2, is facing charges including money laundering, organized crime, and cooperative fraud.

The cases have led to questions about his political future as a lawmaker. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2007 (as amended), “any individual holding a public office, such as a lawmaker, who faces a money laundering charge, is automatically suspended from their position until the case is resolved.”

Section (27) of the Act clearly outlines that a public office-holder detained under this law will be suspended for the duration of their detention and until the case is disposed of. If the court decides to remand Lamichhane in custody, Lamichhane’s parliamentary status will be suspended, marking the second time he has faced such a situation.

Lamichhane was arrested on October 18 in connection with a separate savings fraud case involving Pokhara’s Suryadarshan Cooperative Society. He has been in police custody in Kaski ever since.

UAE Joins Eurasian Group As Observer In Fight Against Money Laundering

November 30, 2024, 1:43 am

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become the first country in its region to achieve observer status in the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (EAG). This milestone underlines the UAE’s dedication to combating financial crimes and fostering regional and international cooperation.

A Step Forward in Combating Financial Crimes

The EAG is an associate member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), comprising nine member states, including China, India, and Russia. By joining as an observer, the UAE will collaborate closely with these nations to enhance global efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.

The UAE already holds observer status in the Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) and is a full member of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF).

Expert Contributions and Collaboration

With its new role, the UAE will actively contribute expertise, operational insights, and technical resources to the Eurasian Group. The country’s efforts aim to strengthen regional frameworks against financial crimes while sharing valuable experiences from the Middle East and North Africa.

Khaled Mohammed Balama, Governor of the UAE Central Bank and Chair of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism Committee (NAMLCTFC), stated:

“This recognition reflects the international community’s confidence in the UAE as a reliable and effective partner. It underscores our commitment to enhancing regional and global cooperation to safeguard the financial system.”

Hamid Saif Al Zaabi, Secretary-General of NAMLCTFC, added:

“Through our observer status, we look forward to supporting EAG initiatives and strengthening national and regional capabilities to combat financial crimes.”

Eurasian Group: A Global Network

Established in 2004, the Eurasian Group includes nine member countries and 16 observers. It operates under the FATF framework, uniting 23 international organizations in its mission to combat financial crimes that threaten economic stability.

Commitment to a Safer Financial Environment

This move aligns with the UAE’s broader objectives of enhancing financial system resilience and contributing to global efforts against money laundering and terrorism financing. By participating in EAG activities, the UAE aims to bolster the impact of regional and international frameworks combating financial crime.

Money Laundering Threatens India’s Growing Online Gaming Sector, Says New Report

October 24, 2024, 7:18 pm

A recent report by the Digital India Foundation (DIF) has raised concerns over the increasing risk of money laundering within India’s booming online gaming sector. The report calls for immediate regulatory measures to protect the country’s digital economy from illegal activities tied to online gambling and betting platforms.

India’s real money gaming (RMG) sector is expanding rapidly, with revenues projected to reach $7.5 billion over the next five years. The industry has generated employment opportunities in areas like fintech, cloud services, and cybersecurity. However, the DIF report highlights how the sector’s rapid growth has also opened doors to illegal activities, including the use of offshore betting sites and in-game currencies for money laundering and terror financing.

The illegal gambling market in India is estimated to handle over $100 billion annually. Despite efforts to block these platforms, many operators evade restrictions by using VPNs and mirror sites. Misleading advertisements by influencers promoting illegal gambling sites, along with the use of cryptocurrencies and cash for payments, make it difficult to trace transactions.

Stronger Oversight and Task Force Recommended

The report recommends the formation of a specialized task force to combat illegal operators in the gaming sector. This task force would be responsible for ensuring compliance with KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations, promoting digital payments, and maintaining financial discipline.

Additionally, the report calls for the creation of a whitelist of legal operators, requiring both domestic and offshore gaming platforms to register under the GST Act. This would enable payment gateways and service providers to distinguish between legal and illegal platforms. The government is also urged to block transactions with known illegal operators and work with international partners to address cross-border gambling issues.

Need for Better Regulation

The DIF report emphasizes the lack of consistent regulations and a dedicated authority governing the online gaming sector, leaving it vulnerable to fraud. It calls for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to implement a clear regulatory framework. The report also proposes stronger financial integrity measures, such as regular audits and robust KYC mechanisms, to reduce risks.

The foundation stresses the importance of cooperation between ministries, financial institutions, and gaming platforms to curb illegal activities. Public awareness campaigns and better enforcement strategies are essential for protecting users and promoting a safer gaming environment.

With the sector expected to create over 250,000 jobs by 2025, the report warns that immediate action is critical to safeguarding its future.

AAP Leader Satyendar Jain Granted Bail in Money Laundering Case After Two Years

October 18, 2024, 4:41 pm

A Delhi court granted bail to former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain on Friday in a money laundering case, after he had spent 18 months in custody. Special Judge Vishal Gogne noted the significant delay in the trial and the likelihood that proceedings would take a long time to commence and conclude.

Jain, a leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on May 30, 2022, on charges related to money laundering linked to four companies allegedly associated with him. The case originates from a First Information Report (FIR) lodged against Jain by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2017 under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Bail Conditions

The judge granted bail on the condition of a ₹50,000 bail bond, along with two sureties of the same amount. Jain had previously challenged a trial court decision made on May 15, which denied him default bail. In response to his petition, the high court issued a notice on May 28 seeking the ED’s response.

Jain argued that the ED failed to complete its investigation within the statutory period, claiming that the incomplete charge sheet was filed to deny him his right to default bail under Section 167(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

Jain’s arrest by the ED was part of a broader investigation, which also saw Ankush Jain and Vaibhav Jain arrested on June 30, 2022. Satyendar Jain had previously been granted regular bail by a trial court on September 6, 2019, in the CBI case.

Delhi Excise Policy case: Court extends judicial custody of Kejriwal till Aug 20

August 8, 2024, 4:54 pm

The Rouse Avenue court on Thursday extended the judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a CBI case linked to Delhi Excise policy. Kejriwal was produced before the court through video conferencing from Tihar Jail.

Special judge (CBI) Kaveri Baweja on Thursday extended the Judicial custody of Arvind Kejriwal till August 20. CBI moved an application seeking an extension of judicial custody.

CBI has already filed a charge sheet against Arvind Kejriwal on July 29. He was arrested by the CBI on June 26.

Kejriwal was granted interim bail in a money laundering case by the Supreme Court on July 12. Earlier he was granted regular bail by the trial court on June 20.

Earlier, he was arrested by the ED in the money laundering case in March. The court has already taken cognizance of the supplementary charge sheet against Kejriwal.

He was granted a bail in money laundering case by the trial court which was under challenge before the Delhi High Court.

In this, CBI has also arrested Former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, BRS leader K Kavitha and others accused.

In the Delhi Excise Policy case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) requested the High Court on Wednesday a short adjournment to address its plea for the cancellation of bail granted to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The court expressed confusion about the potential consequences of canceling the bail, questioning whether such a move would result in Kejriwal’s re-arrest and saying, “I am confused. Are you going to arrest him again?”

The Delhi High Court questioned the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on whether canceling Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail would lead to his re-arrest. The court’s inquiry aims to clarify the implications of the ED’s plea for bail cancellation.

Arvind Kejriwal’s Judicial Custody Extended To August 8 In Excise Policy Scam

July 25, 2024, 12:31 pm

Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday extended the judicial custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till August 8 in the CBI case regarding the Delhi excise policy scam. This development follows the previous extension, which was set to end today.

Background and Timeline
Kejriwal has been in jail since March 21, facing charges of money laundering under the investigation of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). On May 10, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail for 21 days to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, after which he returned to prison on June 2.

Court Proceedings
In the latest hearing, Special Judge Kaveri Baweja extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody. He appeared via video conferencing from Tihar Jail. The court directed the ED to provide Kejriwal’s counsel and other accused with copies of the supplementary charge sheet.

Supplementary Charge Sheets
On July 9, the court acknowledged the supplementary charge sheet against Kejriwal and AAP, as well as against Vinod Chauhan and Ashish Mathur. This is part of the seventh and eighth supplementary charge sheets in the money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy.

Arrests and Allegations
The ED arrested Kejriwal on March 21. Other individuals arrested in connection with this case include Manish Sisodia, BRS leader K Kavitha, Sanjay Singh, and various businessmen. The ED has alleged that Kejriwal demanded a bribe of Rs. 100 crores, which went to AAP for the Goa election campaign.

Evidence and Opposition to Bail
ASG SV Raju, opposing Kejriwal’s bail plea, cited evidence of Hawala transfers amounting to approximately Rs 45 crore. These transfers are corroborated by call records, data from a Hawala firm in Goa, and witness statements. The ED also presented proof of cash payments made to support the AAP campaign in Goa.

Stay updated with the latest developments in the Delhi excise policy scam case and Arvind Kejriwal’s judicial proceedings.

Ex-Karnataka Minister Detained By ED In Money Laundering Case

July 12, 2024, 11:51 am

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) detained former Karnataka minister and Congress leader B Nagendra in connection with the Valmiki Corporation scam. According to PTI, Nagendra was taken from his residence to the ED office in Bengaluru for questioning.

“I’m being taken from my home… I don’t know anything,” Nagendra told reporters as he was escorted to the ED office.

This development comes just days after the ED conducted extensive searches at the former minister’s premises as part of a money laundering probe linked to an alleged scam. The investigation gained attention following the death of Chandrasekharan P, the accounts superintendent of the Corporation, on May 21.

Elvish Yadav Summoned By ED In Money Laundering Case

July 10, 2024, 12:45 pm

Elvish Yadav, the popular YouTuber Siddharth Yadav, has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning on July 23 in connection with a high-profile money laundering case. This case centers on allegations that snake venom was used at parties reportedly hosted by Elvish Yadav, according to official sources.

Initially slated to appear before the ED in Lucknow this week, Elvish Yadav requested a postponement of his summons citing prior international travel plans and professional commitments. Consequently, the central agency rescheduled his appearance for July 23, where he is expected to depose before the investigating officers.

See Post:

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned popular YouTuber Elvish Yadav to appear before its Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow-based unit on July 23 in connection with a money laundering case linked to a snake venom-rave party incident.

— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2024

Recently, Rahul Yadav, also known as Rahul Fazilpuriya, a singer from Haryana purportedly linked to Elvish Yadav, was questioned by the ED in connection with the same case. Sources indicate that further questioning of Rahul Yadav may follow in the ongoing investigation.

The ED’s probe focuses on alleged activities involving the generation of illicit funds and their purported use in organizing rave parties or other recreational events. This investigation stems from an FIR and subsequent charge sheet filed against Elvish Yadav and others by the police in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddh Nagar district earlier this year.

Elvish Yadav, a controversial figure known for his YouTube content and winner of reality show Bigg Boss OTT 2, had previously been arrested by the Noida police on charges related to the alleged use of snake venom for recreational purposes during parties. The case against him includes multiple charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Wildlife Protection Act, and sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

In November last year, an FIR was filed against six individuals, including Elvish Yadav, following a complaint by People for Animals (PFA), an NGO. The charges primarily involved alleged trafficking of snakes, use of psychotropic substances, and organizing illegal parties. While five snake charmers were arrested and subsequently released on bail, Elvish Yadav was not present during the raid where snakes and suspected snake venom were seized.

The Noida police had filed a comprehensive chargesheet in April, detailing their investigations into the matter, which included evidence related to the alleged illegal activities.

The developments surrounding Elvish Yadav have sparked significant public interest, with the ED’s forthcoming interrogation scheduled to shed further light on the ongoing legal proceedings and the allegations against him.

Section 174 Filed Against Kejriwal After He Skips Summons

February 19, 2024, 12:24 pm

Hours after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal skipped the Enforcement Directorate’s summons for the sixth time, sources said that the agency claimed that the court had taken cognizance of a complaint filed by a probe agency under Section 174 of the Indian Penal Code against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader.
Section 174 refers to not obeying a legal order to attend a certain place in person or by an agent.

According to sources, the complaint was filed against Kejriwal for purposefully violating the first three summons issued to him.
According to agency sources, the court has taken cognizance of the matter and has tentatively acknowledged that Kejriwal committed an offense for which he may face prosecution.

They went on to say that the matter before the court is not about the legitimacy of the summons but about Kejriwal’s criminal act of knowingly violating the three summons.
Earlier in the day, party sources stated that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will not appear before the ED for interrogation in connection with an excise policy case involving money laundering.

The AAP labelled the ED summons as ‘illegal’, claiming that the validity of the summons is now being litigated in court.

“ED itself has gone to court. Instead of sending summons again and again, ED should wait for the court’s decision,” a party source said.

On February 2, Kejriwal ignored the ED’s summons for the fifth time in connection with the money laundering investigation into irregularities in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22 case.
On February 17, Kejriwal appeared in Rouse Avenue Court via video conference following the ED’s complaint about his purported noncompliance with its summons.

Kejriwal, while appearing virtually, informed the court that he wished to attend the court proceedings in person, but was unable to do so due to the confidence motion and budget sessions.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Divya Malhotra granted Kejriwal’s exemption plea on Saturday and scheduled his physical appearance in court for March 16, 2024.

The ED has filed a new complaint case under Sections 190 (1)(a) and 200 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Section 174 of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 63 (4) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for non-attendance in compliance of Section 50 of PMLA.

According to the ED, the agency intended to record Kejriwal’s statement in the case about policy formation, discussions held before it was finalized, and charges of bribery.

The ED alleged in its sixth charge sheet filed in the case on December 2, 2023, citing AAP leader Sanjay Singh and his aide Sarvesh Mishra, that the AAP used kickbacks worth Rs 45 crore generated under the scheme as part of their Goa assembly election campaign in 2022.

ED summons Skipped By Arvind Kejriwal

February 19, 2024, 10:45 am

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, would not appear before the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) for interrogation in connection with an excise policy issue relating to money laundering, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) officials said Monday.
The AAP termed the ED summons as ‘illegal’, claiming that the validity of the summons is now being litigated in court.

“ED itself has gone to court. Instead of sending summons again and again, ED should wait for the court’s decision,” a party source said.

On February 2, Kejriwal skipped the ED’s summons for the fifth time in connection with the money laundering investigation into irregularities in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22 case.
On February 17, Kejriwal appeared in Rouse Avenue Court via video conference following the ED’s complaint about his purported noncompliance with its summons.

Kejriwal, while appearing virtually, said the court that he wished to attend the court proceedings in person, but was unable to do so due to the confidence motion and budget sessions.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Divya Malhotra granted Kejriwal’s exemption plea on Saturday and scheduled his physical appearance in court for March 16, 2024.

According to the ED, the agency intended to record Kejriwal’s statement in the case about policy formation, discussions held before it was finalized, and charges of bribery.
The ED alleged in its sixth charge sheet filed in the case on December 2, 2023, citing AAP leader Sanjay Singh and his aide Sarvesh Mishra, that the AAP used kickbacks worth Rs 45 crore generated under the scheme as part of their Goa assembly election campaign in 2022.

The excise policy attempted to revitalize the city’s struggling liquor industry by substituting a sales-volume-based system with a license charge for merchants. It promised swankier stores and an improved shopping experience. For the first time in Delhi, the policy included discounts and special offers on booze purchases.

Two prominent AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are already in judicial detention in the case.
The CBI arrested Sisodia, the then Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister, on February 26 after multiple rounds of questioning. On October 5, the ED arrested Singh, a Rajya Sabha member.

ED raids Arvind Kejriwal’s Personal secretary’s residence

February 6, 2024, 11:16 am

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting searches at roughly ten places, including the home of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s personal secretary, among others associated with the Aam Aadmi Party.

According to sources, the raids are part of the agency’s ongoing money laundering investigation. An ED raid is also apparently underway at AAP MP ND Gupta’s residence in Delhi. More information about Tuesday’s raids is awaited.

These raids come as the agency filed a complaint in a Delhi court against AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal for failing to appear for a summons for the fifth time in a matter related to the Excise policy.

On February 3, the ED filed a complaint at Rouse Avenue Court against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for failing to comply with the agency’s summons in the Delhi liquor policy money laundering case.

After hearing the submissions on Saturday, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Divya Malhotra, scheduled the remaining statements and consideration of the agency’s fresh complaint for February 7.

On February 3, the ED filed a new complaint case under Section 190 (1)(a) Cr.P.C. r/w. Section 200 Cr.P.C., 1973 r/w. Section 174 IPC, 1860 r/w. Section 63 (4) of PMLA, 2002 for non-attendance in accordance with Section 50 of PMLA, 2002.

On February 2, 2024, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ignored the Enforcement Directorate’s summons for the seventh time in connection with the money laundering investigation into irregularities in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22 case.

The new summons to the Delhi Chief Minister came after he ignored the fourth summons on January 18.The party stated that omitting the fifth summons was “unlawful.” “Kejriwal has so far skipped four previous summons issued by the ED on January 18, January 3, November 2, and December 22, calling them “illegal and politically motivated.”

Earlier this month, a team from the Delhi Crime Branch went to Arvind Kjeriwal’s residence in civil lines and presented him with a notice to join a probe into claims that the BJP attempted to “poach” MLAs to destabilize his government.

Vivo money laundering case: ED moves Delhi High Court against release of interim CEO, 2 others

January 2, 2024, 1:02 pm

On Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) lodged an appeal with the Delhi High Court, contesting a trial court’s decision that ordered the release of three individuals, including the interim CEO of Chinese smartphone manufacturer VIVO, in connection with a money laundering case. The vacation judge of the Delhi HC’s bench slated the matter for Wednesday before the relevant roster judge.

The trial court had recently granted the plea of Hong Xuquan, Harinder Dahiya, and Hemant Munjal to challenge their arrest and subsequent custody, directing their immediate release. The court cited the illegal custody of the accused, as they were not presented before the court within 24 hours of their arrest.

The arrested trio contended that they were apprehended on December 21, disputing the ED’s recorded date of December 22. They submitted an application challenging the arrest, alleging its illegality. Last week, after the expiry of custodial remand, the accused appeared before the trial court, where the ED sought their judicial custody, maintaining that the arrest occurred on December 22.

The individuals arrested by the ED include Hong Xuquan alias Terry (interim CEO of VIVO India), Harinder Dahiya (Chief Financial Officer of VIVO India), and Hemant Munjal (VIVO’s consultant). Legal representation was provided by Advocates Manish Jain and Simon Benjamin for the Enforcement Directorate, while Senior Advocates Siddharth Aggarwal and Arvind Nayyar represented the accused.

This case, initiated in October, involved the ED arresting four individuals, including a Chinese national and the MD of Lava International. Recently, the Patiala House Court of Delhi acknowledged a prosecution complaint filed by the ED in connection with a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case related to VIVO, involving Chinese national Guangwen Kuang, Lava International’s MD Hariom Rai, Nitin Garg, and Rajan Malik.

The ED’s chargesheet alleged cheating by VIVO India and revealed an intricate network set up in India by certain Chinese shareholders. The Enforcement Directorate accused Director and shareholder Zhang Jie of using forged documents, including a fake driving license, to apply for a Director Identification Number (DIN) and to open a bank account. The ED further claimed fraudulent activities in the incorporation of multiple companies controlled by Chinese nationals.

Raids conducted in October resulted in the seizure of cash exceeding Rs 10 lakhs and the arrest of four individuals, including a Chinese national, the MD of Lava International, and a Chartered Accountant. The ED initiated the money laundering case on February 3, 2022.

vtar Singh Kochar Granted Bail in Money Laundering and MCOCA Cases; Linked to Rs 200 Crore Scandal

November 29, 2023, 12:53 pm

The Delhi High Court has granted bail to Avtar Singh Kochar, an accused in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case, which allegedly involves Sukesh Chandrasekar and Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez. Kochar, who has been in custody for the past two years, secured bail after Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma took into account his custody duration, age, and medical conditions.

The High Court imposed conditions on Kochar’s release after granting bail in both the money laundering and MCOCA cases. In each case, he must provide a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh as well as two surety bonds of comparable amounts. Furthermore, he is required to obtain prior court permission before leaving the country, refrain from directly or indirectly influencing any witnesses, and maintain regular contact with the Investigating Officer (IO) of the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) by providing his phone number and marking his presence in the EOW office.

Kochar, 69, is accused in the MCOCA case, which was initiated by the EOW on Aditi Singh’s complaint, of Rs 200 crore extortion. Sukesh Chandrasekar and other individuals associated with the case were arrested after Delhi Police filed a charge sheet. Following that, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Following the ED’s charge sheet, a special court in New Delhi summoned Jacqueline Fernandez and other accused persons. Fernandez appeared before the court and was granted bail by the special judge at Patiala House Court. Both cases, associated with the alleged scandal, remain under consideration before a special judge.

Manish Sisodia Granted Permission to Visit Ailing Wife Amid Legal Proceedings

November 10, 2023, 4:43 pm

The Rouse Avenue court granted former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia permission to visit his ailing wife on Saturday. Special Judge M. K. Nagpal permitted Sisodia to meet his wife at his home between 10 a.m. and 4 a.m. under police custody. Sisodia had sought a five-day visit.

Simultaneously, the court extended MP Sanjay Singh’s judicial custody in the Delhi Excise Policy money laundering case until November 24, 2023. Furthermore, the judge ordered Sanjay Singh to appear before the CJM Court in Amritsar, Punjab, in a defamation case on November 18, 2023.

The court directed jail authorities to transport Sanjay Singh to Punjab on the Rajdhani train, considering his health issues and the changing weather. The return is expected on the same day, with appropriate security arrangements mandated.

Advocate Farrukh Khan, representing Sanjay Singh, submitted two consent letters related to development work, seeking his signature, which the court approved.

Manish Sisodia, who is facing CBI and money laundering charges, had requested permission to visit his ailing wife for five days while in custody. The CBI and ED opposed the application, questioning the legality of seeking permission without first filing for interim bail.

Sisodia, who was arrested by the ED on March 9, faces charges related to criminal proceeds totaling approximately Rs. 622 crore. Despite the Supreme Court’s rejection of his bail petitions, Sisodia was granted permission to visit his wife in custody by the High Court in June. Sanjay Singh, an AAP MP who was also arrested in the Delhi Excise Policy case, is currently in judicial custody.

Kejriwal says- I’don’t know whether I’ll be in Jail or Free…” during a Roadshow in Madhya Pradesh

November 2, 2023, 7:01 pm

Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party national convener, opted to skip a summons by the Enforcement Directorate related to an alleged money laundering case connected to the excise policy scam. Instead, Kejriwal held a rally in Waidhan. During this event, he addressed the people of Madhya Pradesh, expressing concern about his legal situation on the day of the election results’ announcement and encouraging their support for the AAP.

The Delhi chief minister urged the people of Madhya Pradesh to vote for his party in the coming assembly polls and said that he was not sure whether he would be in jail or out when the results are declared but expected the people to show faith in AAP like they did in Delhi and Punjab.

“Just like the people of Delhi and Punjab voted for the AAP, the people of Madhya Pradesh will also do the same in the coming days. I don’t know whether I will be in jail or somewhere else on the day of counting, but everyone should say that Arvind Kejriwal came to Singrauli and we gave him a historic victory,” the AAP national convenor said while addressing a roadshow in Waidhan. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was also present at the roadshow.

In response to the ED summons, Kejriwal challenged the notice’s legitimacy, alleging political motives and demanding its retraction. He claimed that the summons was vague and strategically leaked to certain BJP leaders. Previously summoned by the CBI in connection with the case, Kejriwal wasn’t named as an accused in the First Information Report (FIR) lodged the previous year.

Madhya Pradesh is set to conduct elections on November 17, with the results expected on December 3, making it one of the five states holding elections this year.

ED Raids Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji’s Residence

June 13, 2023, 12:54 pm

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids at the residences of Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji in Karur and Chennai. The raids are being conducted in connection to a money-laundering case revolving around an alleged job scam when he was a minister in erstwhile AIADMK government.

Last month, the Supreme Court authorised a police and ED investigation into an alleged cash-for-jobs scheme against Balaji, who also holds the Prohibition and Excise post. Income Tax Department raids were conducted at over 40 locations in Tamil Nadu, including residences and offices of government contractors allegedly linked to state electricity minister Senthil Balaji, a close confidant of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. Senthil denied the reports and urged cooperation with the agency.

ED arrests Indore businessman linked to housing cooperative scam

June 6, 2023, 2:38 pm

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested one Dilip Sisodiya, an Indore-based businessman under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in a case linked to the alleged illegal sale of co-operative land valued at more than Rs 1,000 crore in the city.

Deepak Sisodiya alias Deepak Jain Madda was arrested on 3 June, ED sources said, adding that a special PMLA court had granted the agency custody of the accused for seven days.

The investigation was initiated on the basis of various FIRs lodged in Indore, related to the illegal sale and alienation of the lands of Housing Co-operative Societies by Sisodiya and other builders and developers. Sisodiya, in connivance with others, sold huge parcels of land belonging to societies at lesser rates, flouting the rules applicable to Housing Co-operative Societies. The market value of these lands is estimated to be over Rs 1,000 crore.

Housing Co-operative Societies are granted exemptions under Section 20 of the Urban Land Ceiling Act, which allows them to acquire land exceeding the landholding limit prescribed for various entities.

The ED investigation found that Sisodiya was able to enter some of these Societies by getting elected as an office-bearer through manipulated votes. He also indirectly influenced decision-making by placing selected individuals in key decision-making positions in the Housing Co-operative Society. Earlier, the ED searched the residences of Dilip Sisodiya and his associates and seized Rs 91.21 lakh in cash along with other incriminating documents.

SC issues notice to ED on Delhi ex-minister Satyendra Jain’s bail plea

May 18, 2023, 1:55 pm

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in response to former Delhi minister Satyendra Jain’s bail plea in a money laundering case.
The court has granted Jain the liberty to approach the vacation bench of the Supreme Court to challenge the Delhi High Court’s order rejecting his bail plea. Earlier, on 15 May, Jain had moved the Supreme Court seeking bail in the same case.
The Delhi High Court had dismissed his bail plea on 6 April, citing his influence and potential to tamper with evidence. The ED’s case is based on a complaint filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleging that Jain had acquired unaccounted movable properties between 14 February, 2015, and 31 May, 2017.

SC Adjourns Nawab Malik’s Plea in Money Laundering Case to July

May 16, 2023, 3:32 pm

Former Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik, who has been in jail since February 23, 2022, in a money laundering case, had his petition adjourned by the Supreme Court on Tuesday until July. Justices Sanjiv Khanna and MM Sundresh specified that the High Court has the freedom to address the matter during this interim period. Malik approached the Supreme Court after being dissatisfied with the Bombay High Court’s decision to adjourn his bail application until June 6.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Malik, urged the bench to specify that the matter be heard by the High Court next week, however, the apex court didn’t specify any date for the hearing in the High Court.Sibal had earlier told the bench that Malik is suffering from kidney failure.Malik approached the High Court after the trial court refused to grant him bail on November 30, 2022.The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) arrested Malik in February 2022 alleging that he usurped a property in Kurla with the help of Dawood Ibrahim’s late sister Haseena Parkar between 1999-2006.ED alleged that since Parkar handled Dawood’s illegal businesses, the money was ultimately used for terror funding.

ED files reply opposing bail plea of Sukanya Mondal in Cattle smuggling

May 12, 2023, 4:40 pm

Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday filed a reply opposing the bail application of TMC leader Anubrata Mondal’s daughter Sukanya Mondal in the cattle smuggling money laundering case.

The agency has said in the reply that there is sufficient evidence against the accused. Sukanya has been arrested and running in judicial custody in a cattle smuggling case.
Special CBI Judge Raghubeer Singh listed the hearing on the bail matter on May 26.
Meanwhile, the judicial custody of Sukanya has been extended till July 12.ED filed the reply opposing the bail application and submitted that there is incriminating material against the accused. A charge sheet has been filed. She should not be enlarged on bail. The bail application may be dismissed.

The court on May 6, issued notice to Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a bail plea of Sukanya Mondal. She was arrested on April 26. She was remanded to judicial custody after ED’s interrogation.The bail application has been moved by advocate Amit Kumar on behalf of Sukanya Mondal.

Earlier on April 27, she was remanded to three days of custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to interrogate her in a cattle smuggling case.Her father is a TMC leader and is in custody in this case.ED was granted to trace the proceed of the crime, trace the money trail and identify the modus operandi. She has to be confronted by Anubrata Mondal also.The SPP Nitesh Rana submitted that accused Sukanya is the daughter of accused Anubrata Mondal accused in the matter.

Her custody was sought to interrogate her to trace the proceeds of the crime, and the money trail, and to identify the modus operandi adopted by the accused, the SPP argued.
ED said that the custody of the accused was required to ascertain her complicity with other accused persons to trace the proceeds of crime siphoned off through various transactions of sale and purchase of immovable properties.It is also alleged that the accused is a teacher in the West Bengal government. She is actively involved in business activities as per data collected so far. The total cash proceeds of crime deposited in her various bank account and her business entities are worth several crores.

The trial Court recently dismissed Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Anubrata Mondal’s default bail plea and presently is being examined by the Delhi High Court. Anubrata Mondal and Trinamool Congress party’s president of Birbhum district Anubrata Mondal are said to be a close aide of chief minister Mamata Banerjee who was earlier arrested by the CBI in connection with the same case in July last year.

ED grabs documents of Patna-based realty firm

April 20, 2023, 5:00 pm

On Thursday, as per the agency information, the Enforcement Directorate seized incriminating documents, digital material, 119 bank accounts, four insurance policies, and two luxury vehicles in connection with searches it conducted at various locations in Patna, Varanasi, Lucknow, and New Delhi against a real estate company, Agrani Homes Pvt. Ltd.

The real estate firm’s chairman and managing director, Alok Kumar, along with other top officials Vijaya Raj Laxmi, Alka Singh, and Rana Ranveer Singh, as well as Satvik Singh, another senior employee of the real estate firm, and chartered accountant Nishat Shrivastava, were all the targets of searches on April 18 at eight different locations, according to the ED. Eight FIRs, including cases of cheating, filed against Alok Kumar and others at several Patna police stations served as the foundation for the ED’s probe against him and other individuals.

“More than 73 complaints against Agrani Homes Pvt Ltd, Patna and its CMD Alok Kumar Singh and others have been received in this Directorate wherein it has been mentioned that the said company has cheated the prospective home buyers for a sum of Rs 9.73 Crore,” ED said in a statement.
“The investigation has revealed that Agrani group of companies and its director have cheated the prospective home buyers and illegally diverted their deposits/investment for acquiring properties in their personal name or in the name of other companies,” the statement read.

Only 2.98% of MPs and MLAs have been charged with money laundering, according to ED statistics; the conviction rate is 96%

March 16, 2023, 1:59 pm

The ED was delegated with enforcing the rigorous provisions of the PMLA, enacted in 2002, from July 1, 2005. The agency is authorized by law to summon, detain, seize the accused’s property during the investigation stage, and bring the offenders before a court of law.

The conviction rate under the anti-money laundering law is at a high of 96%, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) reported that only 2.98 percent of its overall ECIRs or complaints had been made against current or former MPs and MLAs.

According to data the ED filed a total of 176 Enforcement Case Information Reports (ECIRs) which is equal to a police FIR, against existing and ex MPs, MLAs and MLCs which comes to 2.98 percentage of the total 5,906 such complaints filed since the law came into being.

The agency issued 1,919 provisional attachment orders under the anti-money laundering statute, which resulted in the attachment of assets worth a total of Rs 1,15,350 crore.

Under the anti-money laundering statute, the agency has been looking into a number of high-profile individuals, including current chief ministers, prominent politicians, bureaucrats, business organisations, corporate entities, foreign nationals, and others.

The PMLA’s adjudicating authority confirmed 1,632 of these attachment orders, holding assets worth a total of Rs 71,290 crore, while 260 other attachment orders, holding assets worth a total of Rs 40,904 crore, were still awaiting confirmation.

Venugopal Dhoot files bail plea on same grounds as Kochhar couple

January 13, 2023, 6:29 pm

In the alleged loan fraud case related to the ICICI Bank Videocon Group Chairman Venugopal Dhoot challenged his arrest by CBI and on Friday the Bombay High Court reserved the order on a writ petition.

Venugopal Dhoot’s lawyer Sandeep Ladda had filed this petition on the same grounds as the Kochhar couple.

The Videocon chairman’s advocate further said: “As CBI said, they arrested him because he [Venugopal Dhoot] was not cooperating with the investigation, but it is not the case. Dhoot has always cooperated in the proceedings of the case.”

Seeking Dhoot’s release his lawyer had moved a petition in the Bombay High Court to release Dhoot on medical grounds.

Advocate Ladda mentioned that there is a blockage in his client Venugopal Dhoot’s heart and wants an immediate investigation.

“He even appeared 31 times as and when summons were sent to him by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). What could be the reason that it was not the ED but the CBI which has arrested him,” Advocate Ladda said.

Earlier on 10 January in an alleged multi-crore money laundering scam the release of former ICICI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar accused were released from Arthur Road Jail on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, on 9 January while observing the arrest of the Kochhar couple the court said “not in accordance with the law” and from the judicial custody they have been allowed to release on a cash bail of Rs 1 lakh each.

Moreover, to the Videocon Group six loans were sanctioned worth Rs 1,875 crore between June 2009 and October 2011, CBI found during its preliminary inquiry.

However, in 2012 the agency said that the loans were declared non-performing assets which caused a loss of Rs 1,730 crore to the bank.

Jacqueline Fernandes arrives at Patiala House Court

January 6, 2023, 12:13 pm

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandes arrives at Patiala House Court on Friday in a Rs 200 crore money laundering case.

Judicial custody of 4 accused extended till 7 January

January 2, 2023, 6:44 pm

In the alleged Delhi Excise Policy scam money Laundering case on Monday the custody of businessmen Sharath Reddy, Binoy Babu, Vijay Nair, and Abhishek Boinpally has been extended till 7 January 2023.

Meanwhile, while extending judicial custody of all the accused the court noted that the bail petitions of all the accused are pending in the court.

The special public prosecutor is in the process to fill out the supplementary chargesheet till 5 January 2023 against all arrested accused.

Earlier, in an alleged Delhi, Excise Policy scam money Laundering case the Enforcement Directorate (ED) informed the court that there will be a common chargesheet against all arrested accused.

Moreover, in a money laundering case revolving around an excise policy case, ED filed its chargesheet in November against the Businessman Sameer Mahendru and some entities.

However, on a recommendation from Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, the FIR was filed on a reference from the Union Home Ministry.

200 cr Money laundering case: Jacqueline Fernandez appears before Patiala house court

December 12, 2022, 1:15 pm

Jacqueline Fernandez on Monday appeared at the national capital’s Patiala House court in connection with the Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.

Pinky Irani, who is said to be Chandrashekhar’s close assistant and who introduced him to Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez, was detained by the Delhi Police on November 30 in Mumbai. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) claims that the accused Pinky Irani used to represent the main accused Sukesh Chandrasekhar as a business tycoon and used to play a key role in establishing communication between various Bollywood celebrities and the main accused Sukesh Chandrasekhar.

Additionally, it is claimed that Pinky Irani, the defendant, played a key role in disposing of the money that was demanded from the complainant and other sources.

When Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez said she wanted to provide some crucial information in the Rs 200 crore fraud case involving conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, Delhi Police also recorded her statement in court under Section 164.

In a chargesheet submitted in 2021, the Delhi Police Economic Offence Wing (EOW) named 14 defendants, including Conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, his wife Leena Maria Paul, and others. The Chargesheet was submitted in accordance with a number of IPC sections and the stipulations of the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA).

Leena, Sukesh, and others allegedly exploited Hawala networks and established Shell businesses to store the money gained from criminal activity.

In addition to continuing investigations against Chandrasekhar in other cases across the nation, the Delhi Police’s EOW has filed an FIR against him for allegedly defrauding Shivinder Singh and Malvinder Singh, the spouses of former Ranbaxy promoters, of Rs 200 crores.

Sukesh Chandrasekar, a prisoner in Rohini, is accused of extorting more than Rs 200 crore from the spouses of erstwhile Religare promoters Malvinder and Shivinder Singh, who are currently being held in Tihar prison, according to the prosecution.

According to investigations, the accused Sukesh Chandrasekar defrauded Malvinder’s wife Japna Singh and Shivinder’s wife Aditi Singh out of numerous crores of rupees. Under the guise of an officer from the Union Law Ministry, the women claimed that they had paid the conman millions of rupees to seek bail for their husbands and ensure their safety.

After pretending to be a government representatives and offering to secure bail for Aditi’s husband, Chandrasekhar and his friends allegedly took money from her. According to sources, while Chandrasekhar was being held in Rohini jail, he convinced Aditi to transfer money by pretending to be a central government official through a hoax call and promising to handle bail for her husband.

Both Chandrasekhar and his actor wife, Leena Maria Paul, were arrested by the Delhi Police in September last year for their alleged role in the duping case.

Delhi court defers hearing in Jacqueline Fernandez money laundering case for December 12

November 24, 2022, 1:05 pm

A Delhi court on Thursday deferred the hearing of the alleged money laundering case involving actress Jacqueline Fernandez and conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar case for December 12. The hearing for the alleged money laundering case took place today in the early morning hours at the Patiala House Court involving conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.

Earlier, on November 15, she was granted bail by a Delhi court in connection with the case. while granting bail to the actress, the Delhi Court said that it is yet to be investigated that the gifts she received from conman Sukesh are proceeds of crime or not. The actress was entitled to relief as she was not arrested during the investigation in the case, the court ruled.

Special judge Shailendra Malik observed that economic offences are more serious because of money laundering, to the tune of Rs 200 crore in the present case, as they affect not only the economy but also the confidence of the general public. “To my mind, it cannot be taken to assume that the accused applicant try to be free away from India,” the court said.

The court also said such apprehensions raised on behalf of the ED are of no relevance now as her passport is with the investigation agency.

SC asks Centre, Delhi police to respond on shifting Sukesh from Mandoli jail

November 22, 2022, 11:54 am

In response to conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar’s petition, which detailed two incidents of physical assault and threat-making at Mandoli jail, the Supreme Court on Monday ordered the Center and Delhi Police to respond to the appeal.

A bench of justices Ajay Rastogi and CT Ravikumar said, “We have gone through the petition and looked into supporting evidence placed on record. Issue notice to the respondents.”

After a week, the subject will be discussed again.

Sukesh was represented by senior lawyer R Basant and advocate Ashok Kumar Singh. They told the court that after being taken to Mandoli Jail on August 26 due to allegations of extortion against Delhi prison officials, he had received threats on two separate occasions.

“It is not safe to live in the custody of jail authority of any jail which is under the interference and control of Delhi Prisons authority and Director General Prisons even for a single day,” Sukesh stated in the petition filed for shifting to any other jail in the country. Along with him, even his wife Leena Paulose sought to be shifted out of Mandoli jail.

The petition was first turned down by the bench because a similar demand made by Sukesh had been rejected by the same judge on October 18.

The bench remarked, “Why this man is filing petitions so frequently. Affordability of litigation is no ground to file litigation. Just because he can afford lawyers does not mean that he will keep filing petitions.”

According to Sukesh’s accusation, 105 jail employees are being investigated for extorting protection money from him totaling more than 12 crore, counsel Ashok Singh informed the court.

The bench emphasised that the initial accusations were made against the DG of Tihar’s prisons, who has now been replaced by another officer.

“If you are transferred, for instance, to Punjab. You will allege extortion there also. We have to draw a line somewhere. Now a new DG is there. You have to trust somewhere.”

Sukesh’s lawyer told the Court that 81 jail staff and 14 superintendents/deputy superintendents have been arrested and nearly 100 are facing enquiry of which some are posted at Mandoli jail.

He said that on August 25 he was threatened by an assistant superintendent who demanded ₹25 lakh protection money.

On August 31, he later asserted that a different assistant superintendent at Mandoli had threatened him with serious repercussions.

He allegedly had 15 CRPF members assault him when they arrived.

He added that, in response to his allegation, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered the prosecution of 82 Tihar Jail staff members on October 22. Even Sukesh’s wife acknowledged in the petition that she had faced threats for pressing the issue with the jail staff.

Sukesh was however given permission by the bench to pursue his request with the jail personnel by making the proper representations to the jail authorities.

The jail officials were further ordered by the court to decide on his legal representation within two weeks.