Suraj Chavan was arrested in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the distribution of `khichdi` packets to migrant workers in Mumbai during the COVID-19 pandemic

Justice Milind Jadhav allowed Chavan`s bail application, saying he was incarcerated for more than one year and the trial in the case was "not likely to be completed in the foreseeable future"

"If applicant`s detention is further continued, it would amount to infringement of his fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution of India of a speedy trial and guarantee of personal liberty," the court said

The money laundering case of the ED stems from a First Information Report registered by the Mumbai police`s Economic Offences Wing (EOW)

As per the ED, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation transferred Rs 8.64 crore into the bank account of Force One Multi Services to distribute khichdi packets to migrant workers who were stranded in the city during the lockdown on account of COVID-19

Force One Multi Services generated proceeds of crime of Rs 3.64 crore, of which Rs 1.25 crore was diverted to Chavan`s bank account and Rs 10 lakh to the bank account of his partnership firm Fire Fighters Enterprises, it claimed

In this manner, Chavan wrongfully acquired proceeds of crime to the tune of Rs 1.35 crore, which he used to buy property and invest in dairy business, the central agency alleged