Delhi Court Grants Bail To Vinesh Kumar Chandel In Coal Pilferage-Linked Money Laundering Case

A Delhi court on Thursday granted regular bail to Vinesh Kumar Chandel. The case relates to an alleged coal pilferage investigation involving money laundering. Additional Sessions Judge Amit Bansal passed the order at the Patiala House Courts.

The Enforcement Directorate had arrested Chandel under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

While granting bail, the court noted that the agency had the opportunity to oppose the plea but did not present objections.

The development follows earlier proceedings in which the court had sought the agency’s response to Chandel’s bail application.

On April 28, he filed an interim bail request on medical grounds, citing his elderly mother’s deteriorating health due to dementia. The court rejected the request.

The court ruled that the circumstances did not meet the threshold for interim relief under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. It noted that stricter standards apply in such cases. It also emphasised that courts cannot grant such relief routinely and must see urgent and exceptional grounds.

Chandel was remanded to 14 days of judicial custody on April 23 after the expiry of his custody with the agency.

The case stems from an Enforcement Case Information Report registered on March 28, based on an FIR by the Economic Offences Wing.

Investigators allege that Indian PAC Consulting Pvt Ltd and its directors generated illicit funds. They then laundered the money through layered financial transactions. These reportedly involved unaccounted cash, fabricated invoices and hawala routes.

Authorities further allege that operators split funds between formal banking systems and cash components. They linked part of these funds to political entities. They then used them for election-related spending.

Additionally, around Rs 13.50 crore was allegedly introduced into company accounts as unsecured, interest-free loans without clear commercial justification.

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