SC grants interim bail to Satyendar Jain on medical grounds
The Supreme Court on Friday granted interim bail to jailed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain for six weeks on medical grounds. Jain was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital on Thursday after he reportedly slipped and fell in the washroom of Tihar jail, where he has been lodged in an alleged money laundering case.
Why does this story matter?
His bail pleas were earlier rejected by the Delhi High Court last month and by a trial court in November. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Jain in May 2022, accusing him of laundering money through four companies allegedly linked to him. The AAP and other opposition parties accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misusing central investigative agencies to harass its political rivals.
Jain has spinal problems: AAP
The SC order came as Jain was reportedly on oxygen support in the ICU at LNJP Hospital. He was shifted there after being admitted to Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Hospital. On Monday, he was taken to Safdarjung Hospital because of spinal problems. The AAP said that he suffers from acute and chronic lumbar pain due to a slipped disc, which causes vertigo or dizziness.
Jain lost 35 kg in jail, doctors advised surgery: AAP
Furthermore, the AAP said that Jain's MRI scan conducted on May 3 showed degeneration in all of his intervertebral discs. Doctors have recommended urgent spinal surgery and post-operative care but he is 416th on a waiting list by jail authorities. Jain reportedly lost 35 kg since he was jailed, which the BJP said was "a good thing" as he used to be "overweight."
Properties worth Rs. 4.8 crore attached allegedly linked to Jain
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) booked Jain for corruption in 2017. The ED then filed a case against him and in April 2022, it provisionally attached immovable properties belonging to the four companies allegedly linked to him. The properties, allegedly linked to Jain and his kin, who have been made co-accused in the case, were valued at Rs. 4.81 crore.
