Nalco case: Conduit’s wife confesses crime in court

In a new twist to National Aluminum Company Limited (NALCO) bribery scam, the wife of conduit confessed the crime in court.

Anita Bajaj wife of BL Bajaj, who had allegedly accepted R20 lakh bribe on behalf of Nalco CMD Abhay Srivastava, was produced before special CBI judge OP Saini on Tuesday after completion of police custody.

Anita Bajaj, in torrent of tears told the court, “Me and my husband have committed blunder. I am sorry for our crime. Please have mercy on us lordship and grant me bail.” She has been sent to 14 days judicial custody. Anita Bajaj was produced along with Chandini Srivastav, wife of Nalco CMD.

Meanwhile, CBI has arrested one Ratan Pal Singh Bhatia in connection with the case. Bhatia, a representative of Bhatia Group of Industries, had allegedly given the R20 lakh bribe to BL Bajaj to be paid to Abhay Srivastava.

“There is incriminating evidence in the transcript of recorded conversation between accused Ratan and Baja for balance payment of R40 lakh” said the CBI in court. Ratan Pal is the fifth person to be arrested in this case.

The court remanding Bhatia to 5-day police custody said, “The facts of the case reveal a deep-rooted conspiracy between the accused persons regarding bribing a top ranking public servant.”

NALCO CMD Srivastava and Bajaj are currently in judicial custody till March 3.

Chandani Srivastava, BL Bajaj and Anita Bajaj were arrested by the CBI on February 25 following a tip off. The investigative agency allegedly recovered about 10 kg of gold bricks and jewellery valued at around R2.13 crore and R30 lakh in cash from their possession.