VVIP chopper rip-off: SC sends discover to CBI, ED on bail plea of British citizen Christian Michel

By ANI

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) on bail petitions of British citizen Christian Michel in reference to the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper rip-off being probed by the companies.

A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud issued discover to the CBI and ED on Michael’s bail pleas and sought their responses inside 4 weeks and listed the matter for listening to in July.

Advocate showing for Michel contended earlier than the highest court docket that the investigations are nonetheless not accomplished and he has undergone three years and 6 months as of now and earlier than extradition, he was in Dubai custody.

Michel has challenged within the apex court docket the March 11 order of the Delhi High Court which had refused to grant him bail. In the High Court, ED and CBI had opposed the bail petition filed by Michel in reference to the VVIP chopper case.

CBI had mentioned that he has a flight danger and it fears that due to the best way the British authorities helps him, he may flee and can by no means return. Michel had contended earlier than the High Court that each one the opposite accused within the case bought bail in 60 days and he’s the one one who hasn’t been given the bail and struggling incarnation.

According to the bail petition, Michel mentioned that as a bail situation he will likely be out there to affix the investigation and trial as and when required and has by no means sought to evade the method of regulation.

Earlier, the trial court docket had rejected his bail plea and had proven its displeasure with the British High Commission for sending a letter addressed to it stating that his medical situation of Michel and his pre-trial detention of two and half years could also be taken under consideration when his bail utility is taken into account.

Christian Michel James was extradited in 2018 after India gained the extradition case in Dubai. Christian Michel, the alleged intermediary within the deal, was deported from the UAE and is presently in judicial custody.

The Dubai-based businessman Rajeev Saxena was extradited to India on January 31, 2019, in reference to the Rs 3,600-crore alleged rip-off regarding the acquisition of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland.