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

How Calmness Earned Radha Yadav a T20 WC Spot

Next Story

‘Santosh’ selected as UK’s Oscar entry

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan FM Due in Bangladesh

During his visit Dar will hold discussions with the Foreign Affairs Advisor Towhid Hossain and also call on Muhammad Yunus…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar

Balochistan: Where the State Makes People Disappear

The victims include students, journalists, and peaceful protesters, many of whom were abducted from cities such as Karachi and Islamabad….reports Asian Lite News A human rights organisation on Monday revealed that 785

Monsoon Havoc in Pakistan

Since June 26, torrential rains have killed at least 299 people—including 140 children—and injured 715 in Pakistan…reports Asian Lite News Since June 26, torrential monsoon rains have devastated Pakistan, killing at least

Bangladesh’s Dark Turn

With the Awami League outlawed and absent from the electoral fray, a vacuum has emerged — one that has not necessarily been filled with stability….reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh’s political landscape has
Go toTop

Don't Miss

FM Sitharaman Embarks on Three-Nation Tour

She is leading the Indian delegation from the Department of

‘2 Down, 1 Last Shot’

England suffered a 97-run thrashing at the hands of India