I-PAC director Vinesh Chandel gets bail in money laundering case

A Delhi court has granted bail to I-PAC co-founder and director Vinesh Chandel in a money-laundering case as the Enforcement Directorate chose not to oppose the bail application, citing the co-founder's voluntary and purposeful cooperation during the investigation. However, the court has imposed strict conditions, mandating that the accused must not tamper with evidence, must not influence witnesses, and must continue to cooperate with the ongoing probe. The arrest had previously sparked significant political controversy, with the Trinamool Congress accusing the central government of misusing investigative agencies for political gains. The raids and subsequent legal actions occurred just weeks ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, and the bail was notably granted a day after the polling concluded. The political consultancy firm, which has been working with the West Bengal ruling party since 2021, had reportedly wrapped up its operations in Kolkata mid-election. The timing of the bail continues to draw political attention.