Bail granted under the Money Laundering Act despite allegations of involvement in fraudulent acquisition of properties
Jharkhand High Court Grants Bail to Md. Saddam Hussain in Money Laundering Case. Despite Allegations of Fraudulent Deeds and Property Acquisition, Prolonged Custody and Bail of Co-Accused Influence Decision
In a significant development, the Jharkhand High Court has granted bail to Mohammad Saddam Hussain, accused under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in a case involving fraudulent acquisition of properties through false deeds. The decision was rendered by Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay on September 26, 2025, in connection with ECIR Case No. 06 of 2023. The petitioner has been in custody since April 9, 2024, without being named in the initial FIR, and the charges against him emerged from a supplementary prosecution complaint.
The case stems from allegations of a land grabbing syndicate involving government officials and private individuals. The syndicate allegedly fabricated deeds and tampered with official records to acquire properties unlawfully, including lands in possession of the Ministry of Defence in Ranchi. Saddam Hussain, along with others, was implicated in the illegal acquisition and preparation of false deeds for properties at village Gari and Baragain in Ranchi.
The court took into account the prolonged custody of the petitioner, who has been detained for over a year, and the fact that several co-accused, including the main accused Hemant Soren, have been granted bail by higher courts. The court emphasized the principle of parity in bail decisions, acknowledging that the petitioner was not named in the initial complaint and his involvement was highlighted later in the investigation.
The judgment highlighted the serious allegations against the petitioner, including his role in preparing fake deeds and facilitating illegal property acquisitions. It was noted that during the investigation, several false deeds and incriminating documents were seized from the petitioner's residence, linking him to the illicit activities. Despite the gravity of the allegations, the court considered the delay in trial proceedings, given the large number of witnesses and documents involved.
Justice Mukhopadhyay directed that the petitioner be released on bail upon furnishing a bond of Rs. 10,000 with two sureties, reflecting a balanced approach in light of the extended detention and the bail granted to other accused in related cases.
The judgment underscores the complexities involved in money laundering cases, where the interplay between legal processes, prolonged custody, and the rights of the accused are closely examined. It also highlights the challenges faced by enforcement agencies in unraveling sophisticated fraud schemes involving high-profile individuals and government officials.
The case continues to be a focal point in the region, shedding light on the intricate web of corruption and the judicial system's role in addressing such multifaceted crimes. As the legal proceedings advance, the focus remains on ensuring justice while safeguarding the rights of the accused, reflecting the delicate balance courts must navigate in complex criminal cases.
Bottom Line:
Bail granted to the petitioner accused under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA, 2002), despite allegations of involvement in fraudulent acquisition of properties and preparation of false deeds, considering prolonged custody and bail granted to co-accused persons.
Statutory provision(s): Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 Sections 3, 4, 45
