HC grants bail to Suresh Kalmadi's aide in CWG scam case

New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) T S Darbari, a close associate
of the CWG Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi, was
today granted bail by the Delhi High Court after the Indian
premier investigative agency, CBI failed to file the
chargesheet against him for alleged bunglings in the
Queen Baton's relay in London in 2009.
Darbari, former Commonwealth Games (CWG) Organising
Committee Joint Director General, who is in Tihar jail since
his arrest on November 15, got the reprieve after the Central
Bureau of Investigation (CBI) prosecutor informed the court
that the agency cannot file the chargesheet within the
stipulated 60 days perscribed under the CrPC since
investigations have not been completed.
"Darbari is admitted on bail on furnishing of a
personal and surety bond of Rs 50,000 each," Justice Hima
Kohli said.
According to the CrPC, an undertrial becomes entitled
for the grant of bail if the investigating agency fails to
file a chargesheet within two months of his arrest.
However, the hearing on the bail plea of co-accused M
Jayachandran, joint director (finance) in the OC, was deferred
to January 17.
CBI has time till January 20 to file its chargesheet
against Jayachandran, who was arrested on November 21, failing
which he too would have to be released on bail.
Earlier, during the hearing, the accused took the plea
that they were not empowered to take decisions in the QBR
event at London as all major decisions were taken by the OC.
A lower court, however, had dismissed their bail pleas
saying corruption in awarding the contracts by the OC has
tarnished the image of the country and that the probe in the
case was at the nascent stage.
It had said that they (accused) being influential can
tamper with the ongoing probe.
Third accused Sanjay Mahendroo, who has, so far not
moved his bail application, would also be released on the
ground of parity as he is also in jail for last 60 days. He
was arrested along with Darbari.
The accused are facing charges of causing losses to
the exchequer in award of contract to the tune of Rs 1.55
crore with regard to the QBR on October 29, 2009 in London
before the mega sporting event.
CBI had registered two cases in connection with
contracts awarded to London-based A M Films and AM Car and Van
Hire Limited at exorbitant rates.
The agency had conducted searches at their premises
besides the OC headquarters here.
The first case was registered by the CBI under
different Sections of IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act in
relation to the award of contract to AM car and Van Hire
Limited. (MORE) PTI SJK
ASR


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