JAMMU: A Special designated Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Court on Saturday ordered the judicial custody of Chaudhary Lal Singh, the former Jammu and Kashmir Minister and Chairman of the Dogra Swabhiman Sangathan Party (DSSP).

Singh was arrested on November 7 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an alleged money laundering case.

Special Judge CBI Bala Joyti presided over the proceedings, sending Chaudhary Lal Singh to judicial custody for a period of two weeks.

The 64-year-old former minister and DSSP supremo appeared before the court through video conferencing, facilitated by the Assistant Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Jammu.

During the hearing, the ED's special public prosecutor,Ashwani Khajuria, presented the case for the judicial remand, seeking a period of 14 days.

After considering the arguments, the court noted that the investigation was ongoing, and Chaudhary Lal Singh was implicated in a serious and non-bailable offense.

The court observed that, according to the Investigating Officer (IO), the accused was not cooperating, and statements were yet to be recorded. As a result, the court granted judicial custody for 14 days, extending from November 18 to December 1.

The court further directed that Chaudhary Lal Singh be lodged at District Jail, Amphalla, Jammu, and subjected to regular medical checkups as per established rules.

Additionally, it mandated that the accused be produced in court on December 1, following the expiration of the period of judicial remand.