I-PAC Director Vinesh Chandel gets bail in West Bengal coal scam case

A Delhi court on Thursday granted bail to Vinesh Chandel, director of political consultancy firm I-PAC, in a money-laundering case linked to an alleged coal smuggling operation in West Bengal, Bar and Bench reported.

The Enforcement Directorate, which had arrested Chandel on April 13, did not oppose his bail, according to Live Law.

Chandel was arrested days before the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

I-PAC, or the Indian Political Action Committee, has managed the Trinamool Congress’ election campaigns, including the 2021 Assembly elections. It was also managing the party’s campaign for the 2026 Assembly polls.

On Thursday, Additional Sessions Judge Amit Bansal of the Patiala House Court held that since the Enforcement Directorate did not oppose Chandel’s bail, the twin conditions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act would not apply in his case.

Section 45 of the act states that bail can only be granted after there is prima facie satisfaction that the suspect has not committed the offence and is not likely to commit further offences.

Polling was held in the state in two phases, on April 23 and Wednesday. The votes will be counted on Monday.

On Tuesday, Additional Sessions Judge Shefali Barnala Tandon rejected Chandel’s interim bail application. He had sought relief citing his mother’s deteriorating health due to...

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