Delhi High Court Grants Interim Bail to Lalu Prasad’s Aide in Money Laundering Case

Keywords: Delhi High Court, interim bail, Amit Katyal, money laundering, Lalu Prasad, land-for-jobs scam, medical grounds

On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court granted six-week interim bail to Amit Katyal, a close aide of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged land-for-jobs scam in the Indian Railways. Katyal, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on November 11, 2023, under various provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), sought bail on medical grounds following bariatric surgery.

Court’s Observations

A vacation bench of Justice Dharmesh Sharma noted that Katyal’s dietary and medical requirements post-surgery could not be adequately met in Tihar jail. The court highlighted the necessity for proper diet and continuous medical monitoring, which are essential for Katyal’s recovery and well-being.

“The level of care, attention, minute-to-minute monitoring and emergency response which the applicant requires, cannot be provided at the jail presently,” observed Justice Sharma. The court further pointed out the impracticality of providing home-cooked food daily over a prolonged period within the jail premises.

Interim Bail Conditions

The court granted interim bail for a period of six weeks, mandating Katyal to furnish a personal bond and a surety of Rs 2.5 lakh each. This decision took into account the fact that Katyal had previously been released on interim bail for about 84 days without any allegations of influencing the investigation.

Arguments from the Enforcement Directorate

The ED opposed the bail, arguing that Katyal had already been granted interim bail on medical grounds previously and should not be allowed continuous bail on similar grounds. The agency suggested that special dietary requirements could be managed by providing home-cooked food within the jail premises.

Allegations Against Katyal

The ED has accused Katyal of acquiring land from railway job aspirants on behalf of Lalu Prasad and his family members. According to the agency, Katyal, as the director of AK Infosystems Private Limited, facilitated the land acquisition “on behalf” of Lalu Prasad. The land-for-jobs scam implicates several members of the RJD chief’s family, underscoring the breadth of the investigation.

Conclusion

The court’s decision to grant interim bail to Amit Katyal reflects the judiciary’s recognition of the need for appropriate medical care for detainees. This case continues to unfold as the ED pursues its investigation into the alleged scam involving high-profile political figures and their associates.

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