The Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe against AAP leader Sattender Jain has now been approved by President Droupadi Murmu for prosecution sanctions, and if this is not done, the money that he admitted to concealing will be confiscated. The decision sets the stage for further legal proceedings against the former minister, who has faced accusations of large amounts of financial irregularities.
A prominent leader of AAP and a former minister in the Delhi government, Jain, is accused of money laundering. Earlier findings of other central agencies, on which the Enforcement Directorate had launched probes into possible financial dealings, were investigated by that agency. The arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in 2022 had already triggered heated political debate, even as the AAP leadership described it as a political vendetta. Proceedings at the ED, however, have alleged that their probe is based on substantial evidence of alleged financial misconduct.
The case is expected to cause legal trouble for Jain and move forward in court with President Murmu’s approval for prosecution. It is a crucial step in the judicial process, allowing investigative agencies to formalise charges and conduct trial proceedings. It also represents another such case in the ongoing legal battles being faced by AAP leaders, as the central agencies are investigating a number of cases against them.
However, the AAP has strongly denounced the move as the central government is making use of investigating agencies to target opposition leaders. The charges against Jain are politically motivated, the party said and were introduced in an attempt to diminish the influence the party is gaining.
However, as the case unfolds, it is also likely to involve significant political ramifications, given a power struggle between the central government, on the one hand, and opposition parties, on the other. Whether or not it colours a bright future for Jain’s political career and AAP’s place in national politics will be decided in the coming months.
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