CBI questions Delhi minister for 8 hours in money laundering case

The CBI on Thursday examined Delhi minister Satyendar Jain in connection with its probe into money laundering in which he allegedly turned black money into white in 2010-12 and 2015-16 using his companies and Kolkata-based data entry operators.

He arrived at the agency headquarters around 11 in the morning and was questioned for over eight hours by its sleuths, CBI sources said.

Jain, who holds several portfolios in the Arvind Kejriwal government, refused to speak to media waiting outside the headquarters.

The CBI sources said the agency might soon convert the preliminary enquiry into a regular case as it was not convinced by the arguments put forth by Jain.

The agency had filed a preliminary enquiry against Jain in connection with allegations of money laundering.

It was alleged that Jain was involved in money laundering to the tune of Rs 4.63 crore while being a public servant during 2015-16 through Prayas Info Solutions Private Limited, Akinchan Developers Private Limited and Managalyatan Projects Private Limited, the CBI sources said.

Jain had dismissed the allegations after the Enforcement Directorate last month attached properties linked to him in the matter.

A preliminary enquiry is the first step by the CBI to gather information about the allegations. If the agency is convinced that there exists prima facie material in the matter, it may register a regular case against the accused.

The allegations against Jain also include purported money laundering to the tune of Rs 11.78 crore during 2010-12 through these companies and Indometal Impex Pvt Limited.