Former Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain has been arrested by the Delhi government’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in connection with alleged irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board’s tendering process.
Jain was among six people taken into custody in the case, which relates to contracts for the augmentation and upgradation of sewage treatment plants. The other accused include former Delhi Jal Board CEO Udit Prakash Rai, former contractual consultant Ankit Srivastava and three private individuals.
Probe Focuses on Tender Process
According to investigators, the case involves allegations that tender conditions were manipulated to favour a particular private company. The ACB is also examining an alleged financial trail connected with the contracts.
Investigators have alleged that around ₹1.52 crore was transferred to accounts linked to former DJB chief Udit Prakash Rai and his relatives through intermediary entities. The allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been established as guilt by a court.
AAP Questions Jain’s Arrest
The arrest has triggered a fresh political confrontation between the AAP and the BJP.
AAP leaders, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, have rejected the allegations against Jain and accused the BJP of using investigative agencies to target opposition leaders. Kejriwal described the action as politically motivated and criticised the BJP over the arrest.
Jain has also linked his arrest to the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections, suggesting that political considerations were behind the ACB action.
BJP Defends Investigation
The BJP has rejected the AAP’s allegations of political targeting. The party has maintained that the investigation is based on evidence and has pointed to the alleged money trail uncovered by investigators.
The case stems from an FIR registered in May 2024 concerning alleged irregularities, manipulation of tender conditions and criminal conspiracy in the awarding of sewage-treatment-related contracts.
Case Now Moves to Court
Jain and the other accused were produced before the Rouse Avenue Court following their arrest. The investigation is expected to examine the tendering process, the alleged movement of funds and the roles of the individuals and companies named in the case.
The arrest has added another political and legal flashpoint between the AAP and BJP, while the final determination of responsibility will depend on the ongoing investigation and judicial proceedings.
