Lodged in the jail since last year following his arrest in a corruption case, Jain had submitted an application on May 11, requesting to change his cell, citing depression and doctor’s advice for more social interactions.

Director General (Prisons) Sanjay Beniwal told The Indian Express that a show-cause notice was issued to the jail superintendent, and the inmates have been transferred back to their respective cells. The departmental action was taken after the prison headquarters came to know about the transfer of inmates.

Beniwal said, “There should be a proper procedure before addressing any inmate’s issue. There is also a security issue… The jail superintendent should not transfer anyone with him [Jain] without discussing with the jail administration.”

The CBI had registered a case against Jain in August 2017 under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and, a year later, filed a chargesheet against him, his wife, and four of his associates in a disproportionate assets case. Following this case, the ED had provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs 4.81 crore belonging to Akinchan Developers Pvt Ltd, Indo Metal Impex Pvt Ltd, Paryas Infosolutions Pvt Ltd, Mangalayatan Projects Pvt Ltd, and JJ Ideal Estate Pvt Ltd.

Jain was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on May 30, 2022. In March this year, the ED, probing a 2017 money laundering case against Jain, pointed to his conduct and “influence” in Tihar jail before the Delhi High Court to argue that he had received “preferential treatment”.