Shiv Sena MLA Suresh Jain seeks bail in Jalgaon housing scam

Former Maharashtra housing minister Suresh Dada Jain, 71, who has been in prison for the past 27 months, has approached the Bombay high court seeking bail in the Jalgaon housing scam.

Jain, has sought bail on health and compassionate grounds saying that he has undergone a complex bypass surgery during this period. He said his health has been frail and he has developed many complications due to diabetes and old age.

Jain said that he was also suffering from various other ailments such as hypertension, enlarged prostate, digestive system-related issues, cramps in legs and imbalance while walking, among others.

Jain, who has been a member of the state Legislative Assembly for over three decades and is currently a Shiv Sena MLA, said he had been a victim of larger political conspiracy and vendetta hatched by his opponents. He further alleged that he had been falsely implicated in Jalgaon housing scam case.

The former minister, who was arrested on March 11, 2012, pleaded that the charge sheet had already been filed and the investigations were over. Even charges had been framed in the trial court.

He cited the Supreme Court guidelines, which stipulate that cases under Prevention of Corruption Act against public servants (MLAs and ministers) must be completed within a year.

In this case, 10 months have passed after charges were framed and he continues to be in jail, Jain contended.

The prosecution has opposed the bail plea, saying he was an influential person and might tamper with evidence or influence witnesses.

However, Jain said in a counter affidavit that the case had been transferred from Jalgaon to Dhule district. Hence, there was no scope of his influencing witnesses as alleged by the prosecution, he submitted.