Ranchi. Puja Singhal Bail: Suspended IAS officer Puja Singhal, accused in a money laundering case, has received a major relief as the ED court has granted her bail. After 28 months in jail, Puja Singhal will finally step out. She was arrested on May 11, 2022.
The court has ordered her release on bail against two personal bonds of ₹2 lakh each. Additionally, she is required to submit her passport to the court.
Puja Singhal in Jail for 28 Months
Puja Singhal has been in jail for the past 28 months. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested her on May 11, 2022, following an interrogation in connection with a money laundering case. The ED court had sought a report from the jail superintendent of Birsa Munda Central Jail, Hotwar, regarding the matter.
Singhal’s legal team referred to the new BNS law, citing Section 479, to request bail. According to this provision, an accused who is facing charges for the first time and has served at least one-third of the maximum sentence under trial is eligible for bail. Puja Singhal filed an application from jail referencing this provision.
What is Section 479 of BNS?
Under Section 479 of BNS, an accused who is charged for the first time and has already served one-third of the maximum sentence during the trial period is entitled to bail.
Puja Singhal presented her arguments on Friday, and the ED will present its stance on the matter, following which the final decision on her bail will be made.
Who is Suspended IAS Puja Singhal?
- Puja Singhal is a suspended IAS officer from Jharkhand.
- Before her suspension, she held the charge of Secretary of Industries and Secretary of Mines.
- She also served as the Chairperson of the Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation (JSMDC).
- During the BJP government, she was posted as Agriculture Secretary.
- She served as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) in Khunti during the MGNREGA scam.
ED Raid in 2022
- On May 6, 2022, the ED conducted raids at various locations linked to Puja Singhal.
- The raids were part of investigations into the MGNREGA scam and other cases.
- Several important documents and records were seized during these raids.
- On May 11, 2022, Puja Singhal was arrested following questioning by the ED and has been in jail since then.
