Ch Lal Singh granted interim bail in money laundering case; walks out of Jammu jail

STATE TIMES NEWS

Jammu: A special court here on Thursday granted interim bail to former minister Lal Singh who was arrested in a money laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate earlier this month.
Singh, the chairman of the Dogra Swabhiman Sangathan Party (DSSP), walked out of Jammu district jail to a warm welcome by his relatives and supporters this evening.
The former minister was arrested from a house here on November 7, within hours after special judge, Anti-corruption (CBI cases) Jammu Bala Jyoti dismissed his anticipatory bail application.
Singh is under investigation by the ED in connection with the case against an educational trust run by his wife and former legislator Kanta Andotra.
” petitioner has been able to carve out a strong prima facie case for enlargement on interim bail as such the petitioner is admitted to interim bail, subject to furnishing surety for an amount of Rs 2 lakh with a personal bond of the like amount, on the conditions that he shall remain present before the ED as and when called and shall render all possible assistance in the due investigation of the case,” said Principal Sessions Judge (Special court, designated under PMLA), Jammu Sanjay Parihar in a 15-page order.
The court directed Singh not to indulge in repetition of the offence and to refrain from intimidating or harassing the prosecution witnesses.
“In the event of any such claim of the respondent, the concession of bail is amenable to withdrawal. Besides (he) shall surrender his passport before the ED,” the court said, listing the case for hearing on December 14.