New Delhi: AgustaWestland scam accused and middleman, Christian Michel, was denied bail by a Delhi court. The accused had approached the court seeking a 7-day interim bail to celebrate Easter with his family. However, the court rejected his appeal on the grounds that he will tamper with the evidence and will go absconding.
Special Judge, Arvind Kumar, while alleging serious economic offences against Christian Michel said, “As per Enforcement Directorate, investigation on certain crucial aspects is still going on and the accused has close link to many influential persons and accused may tamper with evidence and may abscond.”
The judge added, “Thus, considering the overall facts and circumstances, I do not find new ground for admitting the accused to interim bail. The application is dismissed.”
Responding to the counsel of the accused, who told the court that there is no medical emergency and the accused is interim bail for general medical check up, the judge remarked that there is a dispensary in the jail to take care of the medical conditions of the inmates.
Public Prosecutor, D. P. Singh, said that there are many festivals in India and thousands of prisoners have faith in various religions and thus Christian Michael cannot be allowed to go on bail just to celebrate Easter.
The Public Prosecutor warned that any statements of Christian Michel out on bail can derail the investigations. He also added that the accused can celebrate Easter in custody.
Indian agencies extradited Christian Michel from the United Arab Emirates in connection with the deal to supply 12 VVIP AgustaWestland helicopters. He was arrested by the ED on 22 December, 2018.
CBI alleges that the deal had caused a loss of Rs. 2,666 crore to the nation.
