HC rejects Kanimozhi, Sharad bail petition

The Delhi high court on Wednesday dismissed the bail plea of DMK MP Kanimozhi, an accused in the 2G spectrum scam, saying there was “prima-facie evidence” of her “complicity” in receiving Rs 200 crore of “illegal gratification.”

The Delhi high court on Wednesday dismissed the bail plea of DMK MP Kanimozhi, an accused in the 2G spectrum scam, saying there was “prima-facie evidence” of her “complicity” in receiving Rs 200 crore of “illegal gratification.” The court also said “if freed”, she might influence witnesses and interfere with the probe with her “political and financial clout”.

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Justice Ajit Bharihoke also noted that the DMK was sharing power at the Centre to drive in the point that Kanimozhi wielded considerable influence.

The court rejected Kanimozhi’s argument that she was entitled to bail as she had responded to the court summons and was never arrested even during the probe.

The HC also rejected the bail plea of Kalaignar TV MD Sharad Kumar

“Kanimozhi belongs to the same political party to which accused A Raja belongs and the said party shares power in the government”, Justice Bharihoke said. “A possibility can not be ruled out that if freed, the petitioners will interfere with the probe”, the court said. The CBI charged Kanimozhi and Kumar with having played a key role in Kalaignar TV receiving Rs 200 crore from DB Realty promoter Shahid Balwa.

Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Balwa has sought the court permission to attend general body meeting of Etisalat DB, a JV firm between Etisalat and his DB Realty group. Special CBI Judge OP Saini took Balwa’s application on record and directed the CBI to file its response by Thursday.