September 26, 2024
2 mins read

Indian court refuses bail for British national in chopper scam

New Delhi, June 18 (ANI): A special court of Delhi dismisses the bail petitions of Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland case. The court rejected bail in both CBI and ED cases. (ANI Photo)

Michel was arrested in Dubai following the issuance of Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs) in 2015 and a subsequent Red Corner Notice…reports Asian Lite News

In the £322 million AgustaWestland chopper scam case, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday rejected the bail plea of British national Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in the scam.

Michel sought regular bail in the case being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which pertains to the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters for the Indian government.

While his plea for regular bail in the CBI case has been rejected, Michel’s bail plea in a related Enforcement Directorate (ED) case is pending before the Delhi High Court and the court has rescheduled the hearing for arguments in that case to November 18, 2024. The ED case involves money laundering charges linked to the bribes allegedly paid during the helicopter deal. This case remains under intense scrutiny due to its high-profile nature and international connections.

In the ongoing AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam case, the Delhi High Court, led by Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma, dismissed the bail plea of Christian Michel James, a British national and the alleged middleman in the Rs3,600-crore deal. The court noted that there was no significant change in circumstances or new grounds that would justify reconsidering the bail. Earlier, the trial court had also rejected his bail plea, citing the serious nature of the allegations against him.

Michel was arrested in Dubai following the issuance of Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs) in 2015 and a subsequent Red Corner Notice. He was extradited to India on December 4, 2018. The trial court pointed out that Michel had not voluntarily appeared before the court or cooperated with the investigation, making him a flight risk. Thus, he could not claim parity with other accused individuals who were granted bail.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), represented by Senior Advocate DP Singh, expressed concerns that if Michel were granted bail, he could potentially influence witnesses and tamper with evidence due to his high-level connections. The CBI also stressed the importance of ensuring the accused’s presence and safeguarding the investigation.

The Supreme Court had also previously rejected Michel’s bail plea in the cases lodged by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED). The CBI argued that Michel’s release could hinder the investigation and judicial process, given his central role in the case. Despite concerns over his long pre-trial detention, both the lower courts and the apex court have consistently denied his bail applications. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Just 23,000 people came to UK last year on youth mobility visas

Previous Story

Severe flooding wreaks havoc across England

Next Story

New UK-Kenya investment partnership rings in UK trade visit

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan’s Shadow War in Balochistan

At least 50 killed by Pakistan-backed death squads in Balochistan in April, says HRCB — toll expected to rise in May….reports Asian Lite News The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) reported

Russia, Ukraine Resume Talks

The upcoming talks follow a significant hiatus in diplomatic engagement between the two nations, which have been locked in a brutal conflict since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 Russia and

UN Pays Tribute to Indian Soldiers

Thursday was observed as the 77th UN Peacekeepers Day, honouring the work of 61,353 peacekeepers, of whom 5,375 hailed from India….reports Asian Lite News Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh, who

Modi’s New Warfare Playbook

Modi has upended the old playbook and India and Pakistan are entering dangerous new territory where nuclear deterrence is no longer a guarantee against conventional conflict…writes Collins Chong Yew Keat The India-Pakistan
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Rahul alleges stock market scam, seeks JPC probe

Goyal said in the past ten years of PM Modi’s

India, Singapore pilot first live paperless transaction

The transaction took place following the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable and