Jain gets bail, walks out of jail after 2 years

The Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court granted bail to AAP leader Satyendar Jain on Friday in a money laundering case, citing “delay in trial” and his “long incarceration”.

The court emphasised the right to a speedy trial as a fundamental right, referencing the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

‘Was jailed to stall projects like Mohalla Clinics’

I was arrested to stall the AAP govt’s projects such as mohalla clinics and Yamuna cleaning. My arrest was part of an attempt to defame Kejriwal. We will continue our fight against injustice and work for the common man. — Satyendar Jain, AAP leader

Jain, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on May 30, 2022, for allegedly laundering money through shell companies, walked out of the Tihar jail just hours after the verdict.

AAP leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and senior leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, welcomed him. Sisodia embraced Jain, celebrating his release.

Addressing supporters and the media, Jain said, “Kejriwal, Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and I have come out of jail, and we will complete all stalled work in Delhi now. I was arrested to stop the work of cleaning the Yamuna, a promise that we were working on day and night.”

Following the court’s decision, AAP national convener Kejriwal expressed relief, questioning the justification for Jain’s prolonged imprisonment. “What was his crime? His only fault was providing free healthcare to the people of Delhi through mohalla clinics. The Modi government put him behind bars to stop these services, but today, justice has been served,” he said.

Sisodia said, “Jain is the architect behind the ‘mohalla clinic revolution’. He transformed the public health system, showing that excellent healthcare is possible.” He accused the BJP of orchestrating a conspiracy against Jain, alleging, “The BJP feared that if our government continued to improve health services in Delhi, people would start questioning their own governance.”

Celebrating Jain’s release, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “Truth has prevailed. The people of Delhi and beyond will remember his contributions to healthcare.”

Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh highlighted the toll of Jain’s imprisonment, claiming that Jain had lost 36 kg, but maintained his spirit.