The prime accused in the fake stamp paper scam Abdul Karim Telgi on Monday began giving his in-camera confessional statement in a 1995 stamp case before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Pune.
Telgi was produced before Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) DW Modak on completion of 48 hours given by the court to him on February 4 for reflection on his decision to make the confession in the case registered in Mumbai.
During a hearing on January 31, Telgi had expressed his desire to make a confessional statement before Additional Sessions Judge UD Salve of a special court in Mumbai.
A direction in this regard was issued to the Chief Judicial Magistrate's court in Pune.
On Saturday, before beginning to record Telgi's confessional statement, Modak asked him whether he desired more time for reflection of his decision and repeated the same 20-odd questions to know the accused's state of mind.
However, Telgi reiterated his desire to make the confessional statement saying he was under no compulsion or threat by anyone and that it was completely his decision.
Once the confessional statement is recorded by the CJM, it would be sealed and sent to the court of Additional Sessions Judge UD Salvi in Mumbai where it would be opened, Telgi's lawyer Harshad Nimbalkar said.
{{/usCountry}}Once the confessional statement is recorded by the CJM, it would be sealed and sent to the court of Additional Sessions Judge UD Salvi in Mumbai where it would be opened, Telgi's lawyer Harshad Nimbalkar said.
{{/usCountry}}He said he would file an application in the Special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court in Pune in the next two days seeking its permission to allow Telgi to make a similar confessional statement in the Bund Garden fake stamp case.