Buta files appeal in JMM bribery case in Delhi High Court

Singh’s counsel Satish Tamta told reporters: “There was neither any direct nor circumstantial evidence to draw the inference of conspiracy” against his client. The appeal is likely to come up for hearing tomorrow.

He said the conviction was entirely based on the “Uncorroborated testimony” of approver Shailendra Mahato, one of the four JMM leaders who was allegedly bribed.

The trial court failed to appreciate that the approver himself “is unworthy of any reliance” because of the innumerable times he has told “lies” on the issue, he alleged.

The special CBI court here had sentenced Rao and Singh to three years’ imprisonment on October 12 and also imposed a fine of Rs two lakh on each of them. The court had said that on failure to pay the fine, they will have to undergo further imprisonment of six months.

An associate of Rao’s counsel R.K. Anand said that appeal by the former prime minister will be filed only after Anand returns from abroad.