‘Jain not accused, in custody to be quizzed’

NEW DELHI: Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain was sent to nine days custodial interrogation in a money laundering case, however, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday told the Delhi high court that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader is not an accused in the case.

Arguing before justice Yogesh Khanna, ED submitted that it is only after the court takes cognisance of the prosecution complaint or charge sheet filed by them, that Jain will be called an “accused” while also contending that Jain has been taken into custody only for interrogation.

“I (ED) call a person, does not make him an accused? It is the law which makes a person an accused. My (ED) saying anything would not change anything,” additional solicitor General SV Raju said.

The argument was made while challenging the trial court’s condition that permitted Jain’s lawyer to be present in visible distance, but not audible distance during his interrogation in the case.

Representing Jain, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi rubbished ED’s contention, saying the agency had already called Jain an “accused” before the trial court and the high court in recent days.

While remanding Jain to ED custody till June 9 for his custodial interrogation, special judge Geetanjali Goel on Tuesday allowed Jain’s request to have a lawyer at a visible (but not audible) distance despite objections from solicitor general Tushar Mehta, who appeared for ED.

On Friday, the court reserved its order on ED’s application, which stated that “grave prejudice” would be caused to the agency if the lawyer is allowed to be present in the interrogation.