The applicant's bail application was rejected as the conditions...

The applicant's bail application was rejected as the conditions u/s 45 of PMLA were not satisfied. The HC found substantial material indicating the applicant's involvement as a key conspirator and beneficiary in the money laundering offence related to the alleged custom rice milling levy scam. The economic offence involving deep-rooted conspiracy and huge public loss was viewed seriously. The HC held that the twin conditions u/s 45 obligated it to arrive at a positive finding that the applicant did not commit a money laundering offence, which was not established. The presumption of guilt on the accused under PMLA to disprove involvement in money laundering remained unfulfilled. Consequently, the bail prayer was rejected.

---