An inquiry committee constituted by Delhi L-G Vinai Kumar Saxena on alleged “special treatment” given to jailed AAP minister Satyendar Jain has found that he “violated norms” and “misused” his position and authority to meet his wife, family members and co-accused in the alleged money laundering case.
The committee comprising the Principal Secretary (Home), Principal Secretary (Law) and Secretary (Vigilance) was formed last month following a complaint by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in court that Jain was allegedly being provided special treatment at Tihar jail. Jain has been in custody since May in connection with the alleged money laundering case being investigated by the ED.
Purported videos of Jain in jail were released on social media last month, showing him getting a massage, eating, interacting with two men in jail, and two other men cleaning what is allegedly the minister’s cell.
Reacting to the report, Delhi government officials said: “The L-G had no power to set up this committee. The committee and its report are illegal. L-G is acting like Aurangzeb. He should realise that India has a Constitution and he is bound by the same.”
In the report, the committee said, “After watching the video clippings, the committee prima facie found evidence of violation of norms of jail and special treatment to Satyendar Jain against basic norms of discipline in the jail. Apparently, it was found (to be) against… provisions of Delhi Prison Rules, 2018.”
Following the committee’s recommendations, jail superintendent Ajit Kumar was recently suspended by Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar for allegedly providing “lavish/preferential” treatment to Jain. Besides, several other officers were also transferred by the DG (prisons).
The committee, in its report, also noted there was “collusion” between the jail administration, the then DG prisons and Jain. It recommended “disciplinary action” and “departmental proceedings” against jail superintendent Ajit Kumar, a warden and then DG prisons, for allegedly providing “special treatment” to Jain.