Bail Granted to Sukanya Mondal in Money Laundering Case

The Delhi High Court granted bail to Sukanya Mondal, arrested in a cattle smuggling-related money laundering case. Sukanya, daughter of Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mondal, cited her gender for bail eligibility under the PMLA. Conditions include a bond, travel restrictions, and non-interference with evidence.

The Delhi High Court has granted bail to Sukanya Mondal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case linked to a cattle smuggling racket in West Bengal. The court noted that the trial might take considerable time to conclude.

Sukanya, the daughter of Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mondal, has been in custody since April 26, 2023. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna granted her bail, considering her gender and the proviso to Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The court's conditions for bail include a personal bond of Rs 10 lakh, a surety of the same amount, travel restrictions, and a directive to avoid influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence.

Despite being an educated woman with business ventures, the court noted that the allegations against her are tied to her father. Sukanya claimed no involvement in the CBI's case on the alleged cattle smuggling racket and cited gender-based bail eligibility under PMLA.

Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa, representing Sukanya, highlighted her clean record and argued that the ED's investigation is complete with a charge sheet filed. The high court acknowledged she is not an accused in the predicate offence of cattle smuggling.

The court also observed that similar co-accused have been granted bail, bolstering her case. The ED raised concerns over her involvement but failed to prevent her release.

(With inputs from agencies.)