Special CBI judge rejects Nawale’s application to travel abroad
Maruti Nawale, chairman of the Sinhgad Institutes, in his application contended that he possesses a valid passport and wanted to travel abroad to attend meetings as part of an official engagement.
Pralhad C Bhagure, special CBI judge (anti-corruption bureau), has rejected educationist Maruti Nawale’s application requesting the court’s permission to travel to London, United Kingdom, from July 23-31.
Nawale in his application contended that he possesses a valid passport and wanted to travel abroad to attend meetings as part of an official engagement.
Senior special prosecutor, in his say submitted before the court, stated that the accused is involved in a serious matter in which investigation are on going. “Once he leaves India there is no chance to return and if he flees from justice, it would be very difficult to secure his presence,” the prosecutor said, requesting the court to reject the travel application.
Advocate Seul Shah submitted that Nawale is chairman of the Sinhgad Institutes and a number of employees are dependent on the educational conglomerate. “Nawale has huge property in India and there is no chance of him fleeing from justice,” Shah argued
To which the prosecutor pointed out that even though Neerav Modi and Vijay Mallya have huge property in India , they fled and the same thing may happen if the accused is permitted to travel abroad.
The judge in his order stated that it appears from the record there are serious charges of fraud against the accused, worth Rs 58.04 crore and that there is no need to allow such a person, involved in serious offences, to travel abroad. “Once accused are involved in such economical offences, it is necessary to restrict their movements somewhat,” the judge stated and passed the order.
CBI case involving Navale
The CBI in April 2017 had conducted searches at the office and residence of Maruti Navale, president and chief managing trustee of Sinhgad technical education society (STES). Searches were also carried out at the office and residences of officials of the Central Bank of India, in connection with the alleged Rs 58.04 crore loss to the bank through a loan transaction.
The CBI had, on March 31, lodged an FIR against Navale, bank officials and others under sections 120 (b) (criminal conspiracy) read with 420 (cheating) of the IPC and 13 (2) read with 13 -1 (d) (criminal misconduct by public servants) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
