The sleuths are now busy carrying out further investigation into the internationally-hyped case particularly against former chief minister Digambar Kamat who is named as ‘suspect’ in the 482-page chargesheet.
The CB is also preparing for a hectic week as it is opposing fresh bail applications filed by Alemao and sacked JICA project director Anand Wachasunder before the special court.
Besides, it faced a rude shock when single bench Judge K L Wadane recused from hearing CB’s plea challenging Kamat’s anticipatory bail after a 40-day long hearing. The plea is being heard all over again before another single bench Judge C V Bhadang. As these court hearings are on, the CB sleuths recently moved the special court seeking permission to conduct narco analyses test on Kamat, Alemao and Wachasunder.
“The investigation is at a very critical stage and we are carrying out a thorough probe. We would also need custodial interrogation of the prime conspirator. Since the matter is pending before High Court, we would not like to comment further,” CB SP Kartik Kashyap told this reporter.
Filing of the chargesheet has nonetheless come as a big relief for the investigating authorities. “We have filed the chargesheet because some accused should not get default bail,” he said referring to Alemao and Wachasudner, who are presently in judicial custody.
The two volume-report has charged Louis Berger company, Alemao, McClung, Wachasunder, LB India’s former vice- president Satyakam Mohanty, alleged hawala operator Raichand Soni and MMC Chairperson Arthur D’Silva, under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 201 (destruction of evidence and giving false information) of Indian Penal Code and sections 7, 8, 9 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Statements of 42 witnesses including those whose deposition was recorded before the judicial magistrate under Section 164 of the code of criminal procedure are included in the chargesheet.
The suspect – Kamat has been referred to as the prime conspirator and charged with accepting illegal gratification of Rs 1.95 crore cash from the US-based firm for JICA consultancy work. While Alemao had abused him when the former found that Rs 40,000 cash from the total Rs 10 lakh bribe amount was less.
