New Delhi

On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Sukanya Mondal, daughter of Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mondal, after she spent 16 months in custody. Sukanya, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on April 26, 2023, in a money laundering case tied to cattle smuggling at the India-Bangladesh border, has been seeking bail since her initial application was rejected by the trial court on June 1, 2023.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna approved her bail application, which had been pending since last year. Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa represented Sukanya, arguing that her continued detention was unjust, especially given that the investigation was complete and a charge sheet had been filed. Pahwa highlighted that Sukanya’s health had deteriorated, and she had undergone surgery during her time in custody.

The ED had argued against bail, citing the serious nature of the charges and potential threats to national security. They also pointed out Sukanya’s father’s involvement and alleged misuse of her business activities. However, her legal team argued that she should be granted bail, especially since another accused, Tanya Sanyal, had been released on bail despite similar allegations.

Sukanya’s father, Anubrata Mondal, was also previously arrested in connection with the same case and has since been granted bail by the Supreme Court in a related matter.