The Court said it could not remain a “silent spectator” when victims and prosecution witnesses raised serious apprehensions of threats, intimidation and coercive tactics allegedly aimed at stopping them from cooperating with the ED and judicial process.
A Delhi Court has ordered immediate protection for victims, homebuyers, and prosecution witnesses in a money laundering case involving accused Swaraj Singh Yadav. Several persons appeared before the Court and alleged threats, intimidation, and coercion.
Additional Sessions Judge Shefali Barnala Tandon passed the order on May 18, 2026, in Directorate of Enforcement v. Swaraj Singh Yadav while hearing an application for regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, read with Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
Advocate Tushar Anand appeared for accused Swaraj Singh Yadav through video conferencing. Special Public Prosecutor Simon Benjamin appeared for the Directorate of Enforcement along with Investigating Officer Ankit Kumar.
The Court noted that the ED had already filed its reply. Counsel for the accused sought time to examine it.
Victims Allege Video Recording Outside Court
During the hearing, victims informed the Court that an unidentified person recorded videos of them outside the courtroom.
According to the victims, the person identified himself as “Manoj” and claimed that advocate Tushar Anand’s office instructed him to record videos of persons opposing the bail plea.
The victims also showed the Court a photograph of the person on a mobile phone. The Court directed them to place the photograph on record.
The Court further ordered preservation of CCTV footage from the relevant period.
Buyer Association Secretary Raises Threat Allegations
Ms. Archana, Secretary of the Expressway Towers Gurugram Buyer Association, told the Court that buyers and victims had received threats from persons allegedly linked to the accused.
She alleged that Sandeep Sardana and Hira Lal threatened buyers and used their influence in Rajasthan to pressure victims.
Archana further claimed that authorities registered false extortion FIRs against her and other association members at the instance of those persons.
The Court allowed her to place copies of the FIRs on record.
Senior Citizen Claims Threat To Life
One of the victims, Subhash Sharma, told the Court that Ishu Poker, allegedly associated with the accused, threatened to kill him.
Sharma stated that the person claimed he had been to Tihar Jail and could murder him without hesitation.
The Court noted that Sharma had already registered an NCR regarding the incident. According to Sharma, the accused associate later apologised in writing and admitted acting on the accused’s instructions.
ED Says Witnesses Facing Pressure
Investigating Officer Ankit Kumar informed the Court that the ED had received more than 10 complaints from victims and homebuyers alleging threats linked to the accused.
He also stated that prosecution witnesses were receiving calls asking them to withdraw their statements before the ED and support the accused.
The ED submitted a sealed envelope before the Court containing records related to FIRs allegedly filed against association members.
The IO further informed the Court that the complainant in one such FIR admitted filing the complaint at the accused’s instance.
Army Officer Alleges Threats And False FIRs
Lt. Col. Naveen Kumar Hooda joined the hearing through video conferencing and stated that he was a victim and allottee in one of the projects connected to the case.
He alleged that a caller threatened him on behalf of the accused’s wife, Sunita, and pressured him to withdraw from the proceedings.
Lt. Col. Hooda also alleged that authorities registered two false FIRs against him in Rajasthan despite his posting in Arunachal Pradesh for the last two years.
He further claimed that the accused belonged to an influential family of lawyers and had faced complaints since 2008 in multiple States for cheating homebuyers.
Victims Accuse Advocate Of Assisting Syndicate
Victims appearing before the Court named advocate Arun Yadav and alleged that he arranged bouncers and goons to intimidate victims.
They further alleged that he facilitated cash transactions between the accused and fresh buyers despite the accused being in judicial custody.
The victims also claimed that he issued defamation notices worth crores of rupees to pressure complainants.
Investigating Officer Ankit Kumar told the Court that Arun Yadav’s role appeared to extend beyond that of legal counsel. However, the Court noted that Arun Yadav had invoked privileged communication before the Supreme Court.
Court Says It Cannot Ignore Serious Allegations
The Court observed that victims and witnesses had consistently expressed genuine fear for their safety.
It held that allegations of intimidation and coercion directly affected the administration of criminal justice.
The Court also emphasised that protection of victims and witnesses forms part of the guarantee under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Court Directs Police Protection
The Court issued notice to the DCP, New Delhi District, and directed immediate preventive and protective measures for victims, witnesses, and their family members.
It also directed the police to appoint a nodal officer not below the rank of Inspector for coordination with victims and witnesses.
The Court instructed the police to maintain constant vigilance and prevent any retaliatory or coercive action.
The protection will continue as an interim measure until the Directorate of Enforcement implements appropriate witness protection measures or until further orders.
The Court directed the DCP to file a status report within three days detailing the steps taken.
The matter will next come up on May 23, 2026, for compliance and hearing of the bail application.
