Protecting The Corrupt? Kejriwal Retains Jailed Satyendra Jain In His Cabinet

Satyendra Kumar Jain, a cabinet minister in the Delhi government has been behind bars for six months now.

He is accused of money laundering while he was a public servant.

He was taken into custody under criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on 31 May 2022.

 No Action

Despite serious allegations, hinting at financial misconduct, Jain continues to remain a cabinet minister in the Arvind Kejriwal government, holding multiple portfolios, which include health, industries, home, power, water, urban development, prisons and so on.

His support within the party stays intact, with the Chief Minister suggesting Padma Vibhushan be awarded to Jain for his work as Delhi’s Health Minister.

Besides the fact that his bail plea has been denied by the court, there are also valid concerns about him being of an unsound mind.

Jain, during his questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), had told the agency that he suffers from memory loss and that is why he does not recall signing documents or other significant matters.

It is a mystery as to why Kejriwal has not shown any urgency to transfer Jain’s responsibilities to a person better suited for the role with implications on governance and people’s welfare.

Living It Up in Delhi Prison

As per an affidavit filed by the ED in the trial court, Jain has been getting special treatment in the prison.

The ED has told the court that Jain, who also happens to be the Jail Minister is allowed to meet his wife regularly for hours, beyond the permissible limit. He has been receiving homemade food and massages in Tihar Jail.

In another big expose, conman, Sukesh Chandreshekar had admitted to paying Jain Rs 10 crore as “protection money” and Rs 50 crore to be inducted in the party in a senior position.

All these charges against minister Jain have either been met with silence or counter-allegations by the Delhi Chief Minister.

In fact, Kejriwal even refuses to acknowledge any wrongdoing on Jain’s part, despite the fact that the AAP, first came to power, on the promise of acting against corruption.

There are already murmurs doing the rounds of Kejriwal's own culpability in the crimes committed by Jain as the reason behind the Chief Minister's unwavering support for his minister.