Sharma case: Mumbai man to get copter back

The helicopter was seized by the income tax authorities after Rao lodged a complaint that Sharma had hired the copter from him for campaigning from Phulpur in 1996. Later, Sharma allegedly got the helicopter transferred in his own name.

However, Gauba directed Rao to furnish a superdarinama8217; bond of Rs 60 lakh and one surety in the sum of Rs 30 lakh and arrange comprehensive insurance from any subsidiary of General Insurance Company GIC.

The court also directed Rao to deposit Rs 2.5 lakh per month for a period of oneyear in fixed deposit to secure the interests of Sharma, who claimed to be the bonafide owner of the helicopter.

8220;The money would be available to this court for compensating Sharma if need arises at the end of the trial8221;, the court said, adding the surety furnished by him would be discharged after 12 months.

Sharma, is in judicial custody in connection with the case, had hired the copter for electioneering during the 1996 Lok Sabha polls which he contested as an independent candidate from Phulpur constituency in Uttar Pradesh.

Later, he fraudulently got a sale deed signed by Rao, CBI alleged. However, Sharma claiming to be the owner of the copter, opposed Rao8217;s application on the ground that he had purchased the copter for a consideration of Rs 30 lakh and the case against him was false and concocted.

He also produced documents showing the memorandum of understanding MoU, certificate of registration and ownership certificate issued by the civil aviation department before the court. But Raodisputed his contention saying the MoU was executed by him under threat and compulsion.

The copter case, which was initially registered with Hauz Khas police station, was handed over to CBI early this month. Sharma will be produced before the chief metropolitan magistrate on December five.