CBI questions Satyendar wife

New Delhi: The noose around Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain seems to have tightened further with the CBI on Monday examining his wife Poonam Jain as part of its ongoing investigation pertaining to the alleged money laundering charges against him. There are allegations that Satyendra Jain laundered money to the tune of Rs 4.63 crore in 2015-16.

Sources said the agency sought time from the wife of the minister on Monday for certain clarifications related to the money laundering allegations against Mr Jain. “The agency sleuths reached her residential premise as per the time given by her,” sources said.

The agency had registered a preliminary enquiry (PE) against Mr Jain in connection with allegations of money laundering. Mr Jain was recently examined by the agency in connection with investigation into the PE. It was alleged that Jain was involved in money laundering to the tune of Rs 4.63 crore while being a public servant during 2015-16 through three private firms: Prayas Info Solutions Private Limited, Akinchan Developers Private Limited and Managalyatan Projects Private Limited, sources said.

A preliminary enquiry (PE) is the first step by the CBI to gather information about the allegations. If the agency is convinced that there exists prima facie material in the matter, it may register a regular case against the accused. The allegations against Jain also include purported money laundering to the tune of Rs 11.78 crore during 2010-12 through these companies and Indometal Impex Pvt Limited.

Meanwhile, the CBI is also planning to examine the health minister in connection with the alleged irregularities in the appointment of Dr Nikunj Aggarwal as his OSD. “There are allegations that Dr Aggarwal was appointed as Senior Resident (Ortho) in Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalya in East Delhi on ad-hoc basis on August 10, 2015 even though there was no proposal to engage a SR,” sources said.