New Delhi: Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) Tuesday opposed former minister Satyendar Jain’s bail plea in the Delhi Jal Board sewage treatment plant (STP) tender case, alleging that he was “part and parcel” of the conspiracy and could influence witnesses and tamper with evidence if released on bail.Special judge Dig Vinay Singh reserved the order on Jain’s bail plea for Sept 3, when his judicial custody is scheduled to end. The court also granted police two-day custody of co-accused Pankaj Verma to investigate the alleged role of Srijanhar Enterprises, which had entered into a purported 3% commission-based marketing agreement with Euroteck.Investigators said Verma could not satisfactorily explain the products allegedly sold by the firm and alleged that the agreement was a “facade for receiving bribes”. ACB sought his custody to trace the money trail, including Rs 1.2 crore transferred from Srijanhar to Dhanvine Engineering, Rs 81 lakh allegedly transferred to Vinod Chauhan and Rs 43 lakh subsequently to AN Enterprise. Custodial interrogation was also sought to ascertain the alleged loss to the exchequer and identify other officials involved.Opposing Jain’s bail plea, prosecutor Manish Rawat submitted that he had remained non-cooperative during the investigation. Jain was questioned about various policy decisions allegedly favouring certain persons and said he had approved all policy decisions put before him “in good faith”, the court was told. During interrogation, Jain admitted his acquaintance with Verma’s uncle, Chauhan. However, on technical aspects, Jain “categorically stated that this is technical matter, and I am not the expert”.The prosecution alleged that Jain had played a “vital role” in manipulating the tender process and described him as a “habitual offender”, alleging his involvement in other cases. It also cited serious offences under Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC sections, carrying a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.The prosecution said the investigation was still underway and several important persons were yet to be examined. The defence, however, contended that the investigation had been continuing for two years and the said meetings were held after Jain was already arrested on May 30, 2022, in another case. Jain was arrested on Aug 18 in the current case.
