Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 30: A Delhi court on Thursday granted bail to Vinesh Chandel, co-founder and director of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), in a money laundering case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The relief was granted by the Patiala House Court after the ED informed the court that it did not oppose Chandel’s bail plea, citing his “voluntary and purposeful cooperation” during the investigation. The court, however, imposed conditions directing him not to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses.

The court also instructed Chandel to cooperate with the ongoing probe, provide all required information to investigators, and remain available whenever required.

Chandel had sought interim relief on humanitarian grounds, citing his mother’s deteriorating health as she is suffering from dementia.

Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa, appearing for Chandel, said the ED had filed its reply without opposing the bail application, noting his cooperation with the agency.

According to the ED, the case involves alleged financial irregularities linked to Chandel’s consultancy, including receipt of both accounted and unaccounted funds, unsecured loans without legitimate backing, issuance of bogus invoices, and routing of funds through third parties.

Chandel was arrested on April 13, ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, and was subsequently remanded to judicial custody. The court had earlier allowed the ED to interrogate him, noting prima facie evidence of his involvement in handling proceeds of crime linked to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal.

His arrest had sparked political controversy, with the Trinamool Congress alleging that it was politically motivated. The agency, however, has denied any political angle, maintaining that the action was taken as per due legal process.