New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Singh has approached the Delhi High Court seeking bail in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy. Singh, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on October 4 last year, is challenging the trial court's December 22 order denying him bail. The bail plea is set for hearing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma on Monday.
The trial court, refusing bail and asserting that the ED showed accused-turned-approver Dinesh Arora paid Singh Rs 2 crore, stated that the AAP leader was connected with the "proceeds of crime to the extent of Rs 2 crore." The court maintained that the case against him was genuine, and the ED's "basic case" was approved by the Supreme Court. The apex court had endorsed that bribes were paid for formulating the Delhi Government's excise policy for 2021-22.
Singh argued for release, contending that the investigation against him was complete, a chargesheet had been filed, and his further detention served no purpose. He asserted that he was not questioned by the agency before his arrest and highlighted contradictions in statements between accused-turned-approver Dinesh Arora and other witnesses.
The ED opposed Singh's bail, claiming an ongoing investigation and the potential for interference if he were released. The trial court rejected Singh's argument that he was not named in the main FIR by the CBI, emphasizing his direct or indirect involvement in activities connected with the proceeds of crime. The court referred to Supreme Court judgments, asserting that the CBI not naming Singh in the FIR or summoning him was irrelevant if evidence supported his involvement.
The trial court also noted the dismissal of bail applications for other accused connected to alleged irregularities in the Excise Policy, maintaining its interpretation of PMLA provisions had not been overturned by any superior court.
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