Delhi Court Orders Protection For Witnesses, Homebuyers Allegedly Threatened In Money Laundering Case Against Swaraj Singh Yadav

A Delhi court has directed immediate protective measures for victims and prosecution witnesses in a money laundering case against accused Swaraj Singh Yadav, after multiple homebuyers alleged threats, intimidation, and coercion aimed at dissuading them from pursuing their complaints and cooperating with the investigation.Additional Sessions Judge Shefali Barnala Tandon passed the order on May 18 while hearing Yadav's regular bail plea in a case filed by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED).During the hearing, victims informed the court that while they were waiting outside the courtroom, an unidentified individual allegedly began recording their videos. When confronted, the person allegedly identified himself as “Manoj” and claimed to be from the office of the accused's counsel, stating that he had been instructed to record those opposing the bail application. The court directed that the photograph taken by the victims of the individual be placed on record and ordered preservation of CCTV footage from the relevant time.The court also recorded submissions from multiple homebuyers alleging a pattern of threats. Archana, Secretary of the Expressway Towers Gurugram Buyer Association, alleged that buyers had received threats from persons said to be associated with the accused, and that false FIRs had been registered against association members. Another victim, a senior citizen, alleged threats to his life from an associate of the accused. The investigating officer informed the court that more than 10 complaints had been received from victims/homebuyers alleging threats at the instance of the accused, and that even prosecution witnesses were receiving calls seeking to influence their statements.One victim, Lt. Col. Naveen Kumar Hooda, appearing through video conferencing, alleged that he had been threatened over phone calls purportedly on behalf of the accused's wife and pressured to withdraw from the proceedings. He further claimed that false FIRs had been lodged against him in Rajasthan despite his posting in Arunachal Pradesh.The court also noted allegations by victims that the accused's advocate, Arun Yadav, was facilitating intimidation and continuing transactions with new buyers despite the accused being in judicial custody. The investigating officer stated that inquiries suggested the advocate's role extended beyond that of legal counsel, though it was noted that he had invoked privileged communication before the Supreme Court.Observing that the court “cannot remain a silent spectator” when serious allegations of intimidation are raised, the judge said any attempt to terrorise or silence victims and witnesses strikes at the heart of the criminal justice system. The court emphasised that protection of victims and witnesses is inseparable from the guarantee of life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.Accordingly, the court issued notice to the DCP, New Delhi District, directing immediate preventive and protective measures for concerned victims, witnesses, and their immediate family members. It also ordered continuous vigilance, appointment of a nodal officer not below the rank of Inspector for coordination, and measures to ensure no coercive or retaliatory acts occur. These arrangements will remain in force as an interim measure until the ED undertakes appropriate witness and victim protection steps or until further orders. The DCP has been directed to file a status report within three days.The matter has been listed for further hearing on May 23.Click here to read the order

Delhi Court Orders Protection For Witnesses, Homebuyers Allegedly Threatened In Money Laundering Case Against Swaraj Singh Yadav

LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK

This is a premium content
Available exclusively to
Our subscribers

INR 1099+GST

LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK

Delhi Court Orders Protection For Witnesses, Homebuyers Allegedly Threatened In Money Laundering Case Against Swaraj Singh Yadav

LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK

This is a premium content Available exclusively to Our subscribers

INR 1099+GST

LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK

This is a premium content
Available exclusively to
Our subscribers