‘Bribery’ case: Court extends CBI custody of accused

Special Judge Santosh Snehi Mann said that though the liberty of the person is at stake while granting police custody, the investigating agency should get “fair opportunity to investigate”.

Rakesh Asthana (PTI Photo)

A Delhi court on Thursday extended by five days the CBI custody of Manoj Prasad, who has been arrested in connection with bribery allegations involving CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana.

Special Judge Santosh Snehi Mann said that though the liberty of the person is at stake while granting police custody, the investigating agency should get “fair opportunity to investigate”.

The CBI had registered a case on October 15 against Asthana, DSP Devender Kumar and middlemen investment bankers Manoj Prasad and his brother Somesh Prasad on the basis of a written complaint of Sathish Babu Sana. The complainant alleged “harassment and extortion” with demand for “illegal gratification” for stopping his further “interrogation/ questioning” for a clean chit in the Moin Qureshi case. Kumar and Manoj were arrested by the CBI.

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The CBI sought extension of custody on the ground that Manoj had denied that Sana approached him for getting favour from the CBI. “Efforts are (being) made to contact the complainant—whose mobile number provided by the previous IO—is found to be switched off. We need to confront the accused with the complainant… ,” argued the CBI .

Appearing for Manoj, senior lawyer Sidharth Luthra opposed the custody, stating that there is no justification or merit on the grounds pleaded.

After hearing both sides, the court said: “Further police custody of accused is necessary for fair investigation.”

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