Former RTO Constable Saurabh Sharma and Associate Denied Bail in Corruption Case
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Synopsis
The special PMLA court in Bhopal has denied bail to former transport constable Saurabh Sharma and his associate Sharad Jaiswal, citing the seriousness of the allegations against them. The Enforcement Directorate's claims have been labeled as unfounded by their legal counsel.
Key Takeaways
- Saurabh Sharma and Sharad Jaiswal denied bail.
- Special PMLA court emphasized the gravity of the case.
- Defense argued lack of evidence against the accused.
- Rs 108.25 crore sought for confiscation by the ED.
- Sharma faces allegations of concealing brother's employment.
Bhopal, April 24 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events concerning former transport department constable Saurabh Sharma and his associate Sharad Jaiswal, the special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court presided over by Judge Sachin Kumar Ghosh has refused bail to both defendants.
The court dismissed the bail request on Thursday, underlining the seriousness of the case, according to Rajnish Barya, the counsel for Saurabh Sharma, who spoke to IANS.
Lawyers Deepesh Joshi and Rajnish Barya, representing Sharma and Jaiswal, expressed dissatisfaction with the court's ruling, labeling the allegations made by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as baseless and fabricated.
During the bail proceedings, which were attended by Sharma's mother and the ED's team, the defense argued that the accusations were devoid of substantial evidence.
They pointed out the lack of clarity surrounding the villa allegedly associated with Sharma and mentioned that the vehicle purportedly containing gold and cash is not registered in his name.
Despite these arguments, the court maintained its stance and denied bail.
This case has grown more intricate as Sharma and Jaiswal had previously been granted bail by the Lokayukta, but the recent court ruling presents a significant hurdle for the accused.
On April 9, other members of Sharma's family, including his mother Uma Sharma, were granted bail with a personal bond of Rs 10 lakh each by the Special Judge.
Attorneys Deepesh Joshi and Rajneesh Barya submitted bail applications on their behalf, but the ED's lawyer strongly contested the requests, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations.
The case arises from an ED investigation launched after an FIR (first information report) was filed by the Special Police Establishment, Lokayukta Bhopal, against Sharma under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The ED subsequently filed a Prosecution Complaint (PC) with the court on April 8, 2025, requesting the confiscation of Rs 108.25 crore in proceeds from crime.
Movable and immovable assets valued at Rs 92.07 crore have been provisionally attached, and Rs 16.18 crore has been seized, marking an ongoing and critical chapter in this investigation.
Sharma also faces allegations of hiding the fact that his brother was already in a government role when he secured his own government position on compensatory grounds following the death of his father, who had been a government employee.
In relation to this issue, the transport department in Gwalior has filed an FIR with local law enforcement.
