Former MLA Baljit Yadav Remanded to Judicial Custody in PMLA Case
A special CBI court in Jaipur, designated to handle cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), has ordered former Behror MLA Baljit Yadav to judicial custody until February 10. The court made this decision on Saturday while hearing arguments on a defense application challenging the legality of his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Defense Challenges Legality of Arrest
During the proceedings, Yadav's counsel, Kapil Gupta, presented detailed arguments asserting that the arrest was illegal. Gupta contended that the predicate offense—a case registered by the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) concerning alleged irregularities in the purchase of sports equipment—was stayed by the Rajasthan High Court in December 2025.
"As the main ACB case relating to alleged irregularities in procurement of sports goods under the MLA Local Area Development (LAD) scheme was under judicial stay, proceedings under the PMLA could not legally continue," Gupta argued. He further emphasized that the ED failed to disclose 'reasonable grounds' for the arrest as required under the law.
Case Background and Allegations
The case revolves around the alleged misuse of approximately Rs 2.7 crore from MLA LAD funds during the 2021–22 period. These funds were intended for the procurement of badminton and cricket equipment for 32 government schools in the Behror constituency. The ED registered the PMLA case based on the ACB's FIR, which accused Yadav of financial misconduct.
Court Questions ED on Proceeds of Crime
During the arguments, the court raised critical questions to the ED regarding the quantification of "proceeds of crime." The court observed that while the sports equipment was supplied, the allegations pertained to its substandard quality. This prompted the court to seek clarity on how the proceeds of crime were being calculated in such circumstances.
ED Seeks Time to File Reply
Appearing for the ED, Ajatshatru Meena requested additional time to file a comprehensive reply on the issue of proceeds of crime and to address the defense's challenge to the arrest's legality. "Custodial interrogation was necessary to trace the money trail and ascertain the role of the accused in the alleged formation and operation of firms linked to the procurement process," Meena stated. He added that the ED's interrogation was complete, and Yadav could now be placed in judicial custody.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The court accepted the ED's request for time and scheduled the next hearing for February 9. On this date, the court will hear further arguments from both sides before making a final determination on whether Yadav's arrest was illegal. Yadav was originally arrested by the ED on February 4 from Shahjahanpur in Alwar district and was previously remanded to ED custody until Saturday.
