New Delhi, July 14: A Delhi court has refused to grant regular bail to Vijay Gupta, the founder editor of a Jammu based digital news platform, who is under investigation for allegedly impersonating a senior official of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and cheating multiple individuals by promising to use his purported influence in government circles. The case is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The order, delivered by the Patiala House Court, marks a significant development in the high-profile financial crime investigation, with the court concluding that the accused had failed to satisfy the strict legal requirements necessary for obtaining bail under the anti money laundering law.
Court Finds Bail Conditions Not Satisfied
Additional Sessions Judge Dhirendra Rana dismissed Gupta’s application after examining the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence. The court observed that the accused had not met the twin conditions prescribed under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Under the PMLA, courts may grant bail only if they are satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe the accused is not guilty of the alleged offence and that they are unlikely to commit any similar offence while on bail.
After reviewing the case material, the court concluded that these legal conditions had not been fulfilled.
ED Alleges Fake PMO Identity Used for Financial Gain
According to the Enforcement Directorate, Vijay Gupta falsely projected himself as an influential officer associated with the Prime Minister’s Office and allegedly used that fabricated identity to gain the trust of people seeking assistance with government-related matters.
Investigators claim that he assured several individuals that he possessed direct access to senior government authorities and could resolve administrative issues in exchange for money.
The agency alleges that these representations were intentionally made to obtain illegal financial benefits from unsuspecting victims.
Money Laundering Probe Originated from Delhi Police FIR
The money laundering investigation stems from a First Information Report (FIR) registered earlier by the Delhi Police.
The FIR accused Gupta of cheating multiple individuals by creating a false impression of holding an important government position. Among those allegedly deceived were a former school friend and a sanitary shop owner whose payment dispute was reportedly exploited by the accused.
The Enforcement Directorate subsequently initiated proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act after examining the financial aspects of the alleged fraud.
Foreign Visits Allegedly Used to Build Credibility
One of the major allegations highlighted during the investigation relates to Gupta’s overseas travel.
Investigators informed the court that he undertook 26 foreign visits between 2016 and 2026, with several trips reportedly coinciding with official foreign visits undertaken by the Prime Minister.
According to the ED, these international travels were allegedly used to strengthen the false perception that Gupta was closely associated with the Prime Minister’s Office.
The agency further alleged that he frequently displayed photographs of himself with senior government officials to reinforce his claimed influence within the administration.
Court Expresses Concern Over Misuse of Public Trust
In its detailed order, the court observed that the material collected during the investigation suggested the accused had deliberately relied on false credentials and carefully cultivated an image of being a powerful government functionary.
The judge noted that such conduct, if established during trial, reflected an attempt to misuse public confidence for personal financial gain.
The court stated that the available evidence indicated the accused projected himself as a senior PMO official through foreign visits, photographs with public personalities, and misleading representations.
Risk of Witness Intimidation Cited
Another significant factor influencing the court’s decision was the possibility of interference with the ongoing investigation.
The judge observed that releasing the accused at this stage could create a strong possibility of tampering with evidence, influencing witnesses, or repeating similar offences.
Considering the nature of the allegations and the investigation still underway, the court held that granting regular bail would not be appropriate.
ED Points to Undisclosed Cash Deposits
During the hearing, the Enforcement Directorate informed the court that Gupta had allegedly deposited approximately ₹4.06 crore in cash into various bank accounts over a ten-year period.
According to the agency, these deposits represented proceeds of crime generated through the alleged fraudulent activities.
The prosecution further argued that the cash transactions were not reflected in the accused’s Income Tax Returns, raising additional concerns regarding the legitimacy of the funds.
These financial transactions form a central component of the ongoing money laundering investigation.
Medical Grounds Rejected
The defence requested bail on humanitarian grounds, arguing that Gupta was suffering from a serious cardiac condition requiring specialised medical attention.
However, after reviewing the available medical records, the court concluded that the accused’s health remained stable while in judicial custody.
The judge noted that appropriate medication and medical care were being provided within the jail system and found no compelling medical reason warranting his release on bail.
Court Rejects Constitutional Argument
The defence also argued that continued detention before the commencement of trial amounted to punishment without conviction and violated the fundamental right to personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The court, however, disagreed with this contention.
It observed that Gupta had been arrested only in May 2026 and that the investigation had not yet reached the stage where prolonged incarceration could be considered excessive.
The court therefore held that the duration of custody alone could not justify granting bail under the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Chargesheet Yet to Be Filed
The Enforcement Directorate is continuing its investigation into the alleged financial transactions linked to the case.
The agency has not yet filed its prosecution complaint (chargesheet), indicating that further examination of financial records and other evidence is still in progress.
Officials are expected to complete the remaining procedural requirements before presenting the case before the trial court.
Investigation Continues
With the rejection of the bail application, Vijay Gupta will remain in judicial custody while the Enforcement Directorate proceeds with its investigation.
The case has drawn attention because of allegations involving the misuse of the Prime Minister’s Office’s identity, financial irregularities exceeding ₹4 crore, and the application of stringent provisions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The matter is expected to move to the next stage once the Enforcement Directorate files its prosecution complaint before the competent court.