Hindustan Times (Chandigarh)

Michel seeks own cell, Tihar response sought

- Richa Banka

NEWDELHI: A Delhi court on Friday sought the response of the Tihar authoritie­s and the Director General (DG) Prisons on a plea filed by Christian Michel, alleged middleman in the Agustawest­land scam, seeking a separate cell.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar issued notices to the authoritie­s concerned after advocates Aljo K Joseph and Sriram Parakkat told the court that other inmates were trying to interact with Michel and asking him questions about the pending investigat­ion in the case.

Michel was remanded in 14-day judicial custody till December 19.

In his plea, Michel contended that some of the prisoners would be released in a few days and any wrong statement made by any of them may go against his interest and free and fair investigat­ion of the case.

“It is even trite to mention that the safety of the persons who are interactin­g with the accused may at some point of time be in jeopardy. It is informed by the accused that the residents in the cell are putting uncomforta­ble questions to him which otherwise affect the personal liberty of the accused,” the applicatio­n stated.

The plea added that since Michel was a British citizen, he should be given decent facilities.

Meanwhile, the Enforcemen­t Directorat­e (ED) Friday moved an applicatio­n seeking to produce Michel, who has been named as an accused in a charge sheet filed by the ED in the same case.

Special Judge Kumar allowed the plea and Michel would be produced in the Patiala House court Saturday.

 ??  ?? Christian Michel
Christian Michel

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from India