Saxena seeks bail on medical grounds

NEWDELHI: Rajiv Saxena, who was sent back last month from the UAE in connection with the abortive deal to buy 12 helicopters from Anglo-italian firm Agustawestland in 2010, on Tuesday sought bail on medical grounds saying he has disclosed “true facts” of the case.

Enforcement Directorate (ED)’S special public prosecutor, DP Singh, told Patiala House court that the agency would not oppose Saxena’s bail plea considering his medical condition.

He informed the court that Saxena was taken to hospital on Tuesday morning after he complained of severe chest pain. He added his medical examination revealed a steep rise in white blood cell count, which may be a result of certain diseases.

Saxena’s lawyer, Geeta Luthra, told the court her client was suffering from advanced stage leukemia, radiating back pain, numbness, and heaviness, neck pain, and muscle spasms. She added Saxena was ready to join the investigation as and when directed and sought his immediate medical checkup.

Saxena is accused of providing a “corporate structure for money laundering” and bribes paid to politicians, bureaucrats, and air force officials who “influenced” the contract for the supply of

VVIP helicopters in favour of Agustawestland. The deal was scrapped over bribery charges in 2014. Saxena told the court that he was not feeling well and his bone marrow test had been delayed, resulting in worsening of his condition. He told the court he was ready to cooperate with the ED.

The court sent Saxena in judicial custody and ordered his medical checkup at New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Science. It sought a report from the AIIMS director on Saxena’s medical condition and posted the matter for hearing on Wednesday.