CBI gets Centre nod to prosecute Satyendar Jain

New Delhi: The noose seems to be tightening around Delhi health minister Satyendar Kumar Jain with the Centre giving permission to the CBI to prosecute him in a case related to the alleged possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

According to sources, the ministry of home affairs has “granted sanction of prosecution to prosecute Satyendra Kumar Jain in a case registered by CBI in August 24, 2017 for acquiring assets disproportionate to his known sources of income”.

The move is set to deteriorate the already strained relations between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the BJP-led Central government. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal reacted strongly to the development claiming the case was registered against Jain as he was working for the regularisation of city’s unauthorised colonies. Kejriwal also alleged that the BJP is an “enemy” of the people of Delhi.

“It has been alleged that the minister, while functioning as a public servant, has amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income to the extent of ' 1.62 crore (approx) during the period of February 14, 2015 to May 31, 2017. His wife and associates have allegedly abetted the commission of the offence,” a CBI spokesperson had said after the FIR was filed against Jain last year.

While seeking the sanction to prosecute Jain, the CBI has alleged that Jain allegedly purchased 200 bighas of agricultural land in the names of companies controlled by him in Delhi during the last five years and “laundered black money” to the tune of several crore of rupees.

The case was registered by the CBI against Jain, his wife Poonam, his alleged associates — Ajeet Prasad Jain, Vaibhav Jain, Sunil Kumar Jain and Ankush Jain. Four companies — Prayas Info Solutions, Akinchan Developers, Managalyatan Projects and Indo Metal Impex Pvt Limited — were also named in the FIR.