Delhi High Court on Thursday sought the response of ED and CBI on a bail application filed by alleged middleman in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, Christian Michel. 
Justice Anu Malhotra directed both the agencies to file a reply in two weeks before the court and the next date of hearing in the case is November 13.

 
On October 23, Michel had approached the Delhi High Court seeking bail in the cases filed against him by CBI and ED in connection with Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal.

He approached the High Court after a special court dismissed his bail plea by observing that the accusations against him are "serious in nature".

The bail plea has been filed on the ground that he has been in the custody since January and the charge sheet has also been filed by both CBI and by ED in April this year.

Earlier, in the special court, both the investigating agencies had opposed the bail plea of Michel.

The agencies submitted that they would file a supplementary charge sheet in the case since sufficient evidence attributing to the criminality against other public servants and private persons had surfaced during the ongoing probe.

The agencies also submitted that Michel was a flight risk and could possibly flee the country.

Michel was extradited from Dubai last year and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal.

While the CBI is probing his alleged role as a 'middleman' in the deal, the ED is investigating money laundering charges against him.

Delhi High Court on Thursday sought the response of ED and CBI on a bail application filed by alleged middleman in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, Christian Michel.

Delhi High Court on Thursday sought the response of ED and CBI on a bail application filed by alleged middleman in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, Christian Michel. Justice Anu Malhotra directed both the agencies to file a reply in two weeks before the court and the next date of hearing in the case is November 13. On October 23, Michel had approached the Delhi High Court seeking bail in the cases filed against him by CBI and ED in connection with Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal. He approached the High Court after a special court dismissed his bail plea by observing that the accusations against him are "serious in nature". The bail plea has been filed on the ground that he has been in the custody since January and the charge sheet has also been filed by both CBI and by ED in April this year. Earlier, in the special court, both the investigating agencies had opposed the bail plea of Michel. The agencies submitted that they would file a supplementary charge sheet in the case since sufficient evidence attributing to the criminality against other public servants and private persons had surfaced during the ongoing probe. The agencies also submitted that Michel was a flight risk and could possibly flee the country. Michel was extradited from Dubai last year and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal. While the CBI is probing his alleged role as a 'middleman' in the deal, the ED is investigating money laundering charges against him.

AgustaWestland: Delhi HC seeks ED, CBI's response on bail plea of Christian Michel

A Special Court here on Monday extended the interim protection of businessman Ratul Puri from the arrest till tomorrow in connection with the AgustaWestland case.

Hearing and further arguments on his anticipatory bail plea will be held tomorrow at the Rouse Avenue court.

Puri's counsel, advocate Vijay Aggarwal moved several applications seeking case-related documents to be provided to him and certified copies, copy of ECIR and official records of timing and duration in which he had joined the investigation.

Aggarwal further argued that "The same court has granted anticipatory bail to Robert Vadra in a case in which he had appeared around nine times, as far as Ratul Puri matter is concerned, my client has visited more than 25 times".

DP Singh, special public prosecutor in AgustaWestland money laundering case, argued, "Most of the time Ratul was not cooperative, yesterday he himself on record had written that `I m not here for the recording of the statement".

Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who also appeared for Ratul Puri, said, "My client is not on flight risk... There is no authentic information of evidence tempering. After Saturday`s court direction Ratul Puri was called on Saturday and Sunday also. He has been called 25 times. He has shown cooperation, but after calling him so many time, the agency is still harassing him."

Singhvi further stated that his client has provided 'trucks loads documents' but the Enforcement Directorate still saying he is not cooperating.

The ED in its reply has denied the averments made by Puri that he was permitted a lunch and a short meeting during the said time on July 26.

ED alleged that no such meeting was to take place on the said date but only went to meet his lawyers from the office.

After 15-20 minutes he left with his lawyers while his car and the driver were stationed at the same place, the investigative agency stated.

There is a clear attempt to frustrate the investigation as he left in the middle of the ongoing investigation while his statement was being recorded, it said.

ED added that Puri did not deem it appropriate to inform the investigating officer before leaving even though his statement on the said date had begun.

He came at 11 am instead of the scheduled time of 2 pm entailing doubt that he can come early to sit at the reception and see who are the others being summoned and appearing only in a bid to hamper the investigation.

ED reply on the anticipatory bail further highlights that Puri received money from both chains of money trail which includes interstellar technology and channel of Christian Michel James.

ED claims that Puri is in conversation with accused-turned-approver Rajiv Saxena though he claims that he is not influencing the witness.

A Special Court here on Monday extended the interim protection of businessman Ratul Puri from the arrest till tomorrow in connection with the AgustaWestland case.

A Special Court here on Monday extended the interim protection of businessman Ratul Puri from the arrest till tomorrow in connection with the AgustaWestland case. Hearing and further arguments on his anticipatory bail plea will be held tomorrow at the Rouse Avenue court. Puri's counsel, advocate Vijay Aggarwal moved several applications seeking case-related documents to be provided to him and certified copies, copy of ECIR and official records of timing and duration in which he had joined the investigation. Aggarwal further argued that "The same court has granted anticipatory bail to Robert Vadra in a case in which he had appeared around nine times, as far as Ratul Puri matter is concerned, my client has visited more than 25 times". DP Singh, special public prosecutor in AgustaWestland money laundering case, argued, "Most of the time Ratul was not cooperative, yesterday he himself on record had written that `I m not here for the recording of the statement". Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who also appeared for Ratul Puri, said, "My client is not on flight risk... There is no authentic information of evidence tempering. After Saturday`s court direction Ratul Puri was called on Saturday and Sunday also. He has been called 25 times. He has shown cooperation, but after calling him so many time, the agency is still harassing him." Singhvi further stated that his client has provided 'trucks loads documents' but the Enforcement Directorate still saying he is not cooperating. The ED in its reply has denied the averments made by Puri that he was permitted a lunch and a short meeting during the said time on July 26. ED alleged that no such meeting was to take place on the said date but only went to meet his lawyers from the office. After 15-20 minutes he left with his lawyers while his car and the driver were stationed at the same place, the investigative agency stated. There is a clear attempt to frustrate the investigation as he left in the middle of the ongoing investigation while his statement was being recorded, it said. ED added that Puri did not deem it appropriate to inform the investigating officer before leaving even though his statement on the said date had begun. He came at 11 am instead of the scheduled time of 2 pm entailing doubt that he can come early to sit at the reception and see who are the others being summoned and appearing only in a bid to hamper the investigation. ED reply on the anticipatory bail further highlights that Puri received money from both chains of money trail which includes interstellar technology and channel of Christian Michel James. ED claims that Puri is in conversation with accused-turned-approver Rajiv Saxena though he claims that he is not influencing the witness.

AgustaWestland case: Court extends interim protection of Ratul Puri till Tuesday

AgustaWestland Case: Christian Michel Said 'AP' Means Ahmed Patel, 'FAM' means Family

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahagathbandhan-is-political-circus-recipe-for-chaos-arun-jaitley-206527">Finance Minister Arun Jaitley</a> on Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for keeping silent over the charge sheet in AgustaWestland deal case.

At a press conference here, Jaitley said, "Rahul Gandhi talks on several subjects. He makes wild and unsubstantiated allegations against all and sundry. Now, who are 'RG', 'AP'&nbsp;and 'FAM'&nbsp;mentioned in the charge sheet in the AgustaWestland case."

Commenting on the diary recovered by Enforcement Directorate (ED) from the accused in the deal, Sushen Mohan Gupta, who is under arrest now, Jaitly said, "There is an erroneous belief among Indian politicians that a diary is never admissible as evidence. A diary constitutes an admission in writing and is admissible against the maker of that admission. It is admissible against the other co-conspirators as well.

"Are 'RG', 'AP'&nbsp;and 'FAM' fictional characters or were they in a position to influence the deal?", questioned Jaitley.

Hitting out at the Congress President, Jaitley said, "How come every time there is a controversial defence deal and evidence is collected, names close to the Congress Party’s first family start appearing?"

Slamming Rahul Gandhi for his silence over the deal, Jaitley said, "The Right to Silence is available to an accused, not to a Prime Ministerial aspirant."

Citing the example of Bofors case, Jaitley said, "Alphabet 'Q'&nbsp;appeared in Martin Ardbo's diary in the Bofors Case, with a comment that 'Q'&nbsp;must be protected at all cost, the Congress party was in denial even then."

"It is only when the Swiss authorities in 1993 disclosed the names of one of the beneficiaries of the kickbacks of Bofors being paid as Ottavio Quattrocchi, the Narasimha Rao Government facilitated his escape from India in less than 24 hours. This did not wash away the ghost of ‘Q’ which had scarred the face of the Congress Party nor will 'RG', 'AP'&nbsp;and 'FAM'," he added.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for keeping silent over the charge sheet in AgustaWestland deal case. At a press conference here, Jaitley said, "Rahul Gandhi talks on several subjects.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for keeping silent over the charge sheet in AgustaWestland deal case. At a press conference here, Jaitley said, "Rahul Gandhi talks on several subjects. He makes wild and unsubstantiated allegations against all and sundry. Now, who are 'RG', 'AP' and 'FAM' mentioned in the charge sheet in the AgustaWestland case." Commenting on the diary recovered by Enforcement Directorate (ED) from the accused in the deal, Sushen Mohan Gupta, who is under arrest now, Jaitly said, "There is an erroneous belief among Indian politicians that a diary is never admissible as evidence. A diary constitutes an admission in writing and is admissible against the maker of that admission. It is admissible against the other co-conspirators as well. "Are 'RG', 'AP' and 'FAM' fictional characters or were they in a position to influence the deal?", questioned Jaitley. Hitting out at the Congress President, Jaitley said, "How come every time there is a controversial defence deal and evidence is collected, names close to the Congress Party’s first family start appearing?" Slamming Rahul Gandhi for his silence over the deal, Jaitley said, "The Right to Silence is available to an accused, not to a Prime Ministerial aspirant." Citing the example of Bofors case, Jaitley said, "Alphabet 'Q' appeared in Martin Ardbo's diary in the Bofors Case, with a comment that 'Q' must be protected at all cost, the Congress party was in denial even then." "It is only when the Swiss authorities in 1993 disclosed the names of one of the beneficiaries of the kickbacks of Bofors being paid as Ottavio Quattrocchi, the Narasimha Rao Government facilitated his escape from India in less than 24 hours. This did not wash away the ghost of ‘Q’ which had scarred the face of the Congress Party nor will 'RG', 'AP' and 'FAM'," he added.

Who are 'AP', 'FAM' mentioned in charge sheet?: Arun Jaitley questions Rahul's silence on chopper case

Ratul Puri, nephew of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Thursday appeared before the ED in connection with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-case-ed-arrests-alleged-middleman-sushen-mohan-gupta-205689">AgustaWestland VVIP choppers</a> money laundering case, officials said.

They said Puri met the Investigating Officer (IO) of the case around 11am.

It is expected that Puri's statement would be recorded under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-chopper-case-delhi-court-allows-rajeev-saxena-to-turn-approver-205528">Prevention of Money Laundering Act </a>(PMLA).

The central agency had Wednesday informed a Delhi court that Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Powerprojects Pvt Ltd, has been summoned in this high-profile case for interrogation.

He is the son of Nita and Deepak Puri, the CMD of optical storage media firm Moser Baer. Nita is Nath's sister.

The Enforcement Directorate had also informed the court that Puri was summoned for confronting him with Sushen Mohan Gupta, an arrested middleman in the case, whose custodial interrogation was Wednesday extended by three more days by the court.

Seeking the extension of Gupta's custody, the ED had told the court that he was required to be confronted with various people including Puri in the case pertaining to the now scrapped Rs 3,600 crore chopper deal.

Puri, who was summoned to join the probe on Wednesday, denied having "any connection or involvement of any kind in defence or the case".

In a statement, his company had said: "He would be fully cooperating with the ED investigation and provide any clarification or information as may be required."

The about Rs 3,600 crore deal to purchase AgustaWestland choppers for the transport of VVIPs was scrapped by India over allegations of corruption and kickbacks being paid in the deal.

The ED and the CBI are probing the case now and have already filed multiple charge sheets in the case.&nbsp;

Ratul Puri, nephew of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Thursday appeared before the ED in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers money laundering case, officials said.

Ratul Puri, nephew of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Thursday appeared before the ED in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers money laundering case, officials said. They said Puri met the Investigating Officer (IO) of the case around 11am. It is expected that Puri's statement would be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The central agency had Wednesday informed a Delhi court that Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Powerprojects Pvt Ltd, has been summoned in this high-profile case for interrogation. He is the son of Nita and Deepak Puri, the CMD of optical storage media firm Moser Baer. Nita is Nath's sister. The Enforcement Directorate had also informed the court that Puri was summoned for confronting him with Sushen Mohan Gupta, an arrested middleman in the case, whose custodial interrogation was Wednesday extended by three more days by the court. Seeking the extension of Gupta's custody, the ED had told the court that he was required to be confronted with various people including Puri in the case pertaining to the now scrapped Rs 3,600 crore chopper deal. Puri, who was summoned to join the probe on Wednesday, denied having "any connection or involvement of any kind in defence or the case". In a statement, his company had said: "He would be fully cooperating with the ED investigation and provide any clarification or information as may be required." The about Rs 3,600 crore deal to purchase AgustaWestland choppers for the transport of VVIPs was scrapped by India over allegations of corruption and kickbacks being paid in the deal. The ED and the CBI are probing the case now and have already filed multiple charge sheets in the case.

AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case: Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath's nephew appears before ED

A Delhi court on Friday fixed February 19 to pronounce order on lawyer <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-extends-ed-custody-of-gautam-khaitan-by-6-days-in-fresh-money-laundering-case-194606">Gautam Khaitan</a>'s bail plea who was sent to judicial custody in a fresh case of alleged possession and laundering of black money.

In an elaborate hearing, Special Judge Arvind Kumar heard both the parties where the Enforcement Directorate opposed his bail plea and said that it be given more time to question him.

The agency contended that Khaitan, who is also an accused in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, was a serial offender.

Khaitan was placed under arrest on January 25 by the agency under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The Income Tax Department had earlier carried out searches against Khaitan in this new case filed under the anti-black money law.

Khaitan had been arrested by the ED and the CBI a few years ago in connection with their probe in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland case.

A Delhi court on Friday fixed February 19 to pronounce order on lawyer Gautam Khaitan's bail plea who was sent to judicial custody in a fresh case of alleged possession and laundering of black money.

A Delhi court on Friday fixed February 19 to pronounce order on lawyer Gautam Khaitan's bail plea who was sent to judicial custody in a fresh case of alleged possession and laundering of black money. In an elaborate hearing, Special Judge Arvind Kumar heard both the parties where the Enforcement Directorate opposed his bail plea and said that it be given more time to question him. The agency contended that Khaitan, who is also an accused in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, was a serial offender. Khaitan was placed under arrest on January 25 by the agency under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Income Tax Department had earlier carried out searches against Khaitan in this new case filed under the anti-black money law. Khaitan had been arrested by the ED and the CBI a few years ago in connection with their probe in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland case.

VVIP chopper scam: Delhi court reserves order for February 19 on accused Gautam Khaitan's bail plea

The British High Commission in India has got consular access to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">AgustaWestland VVIP chopper</a> deal case, reported news agency ANI.

The High Commission said that its staff have visited Michel to check his welfare, the report added.

"Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare,” British High Commission in India said.

Earlier ED counsel told Delhi's Patiala court during the plea to extend his custody that he has spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" &nbsp;and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country''.&nbsp;

Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4.&nbsp;

The British High Commission in India has got consular access to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case, reported news agency ANI.

The British High Commission in India has got consular access to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case, reported news agency ANI. The High Commission said that its staff have visited Michel to check his welfare, the report added. "Our staff are supporting a British man who is detained in India, and have visited him to check his welfare,” British High Commission in India said. Earlier ED counsel told Delhi's Patiala court during the plea to extend his custody that he has spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country''. Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4.

British High Commission in India gets consular access to Christian Michel 