THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Dec 7: Suspended IAS Pooja Singhal, who has been in jail for 28 months, has experienced a great deal of relief.
On Saturday, the PMLA court gave its verdict on her bail petition and granted her bail.
Pooja Singhal, a 2000 batch IAS officer, had pleaded for release from jail based on custody under the new law, which was heard in the special court of Ranchi PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act).
Earlier, during the hearing, the court had directed the Superintendent of Birsa Munda Central Jail to tell the court how long Pooja Singhal has been in jail and what the period of her judicial custody is. In light of this, the reply was filed in the court on behalf of the jail superintendent.
Pooja Singhal has been in jail for about 28 months. According to the new law, if the period of judicial custody of the accused who has been in jail for a long time in a case is one-third of the sentence given in the said case, then he/she can be granted bail.
Singhal has been accused of acquiring tainted money by misusing her offices as mines secretary and deputy commissioner of various districts.
The case relates to alleged corruption in implementing MGNREGA, the Centre’s flagship scheme for rural employment.
