DCB PI M G Kaneriya had approached the court seeking a further 60-day extension as the stipulated 90-day-period had expired. Chief judicial magistrate B R Vyas, while dismissing the application, directed the DCB to file a chargesheet in the case.

The DCB contended that as a few accused in the case were still absconding and since investigations into the case were incomplete at this stage, the chargesheet period be extended by a period of two months. The judge, however, observed that none of the three arrested so far had been let out on bail and, being in judicial custody, they could be questioned by the police.

Meanwhile, a delegation of advocates has sought an appointment with the police commissioner on Thursday to voice their concern at the delay in filing a chargesheet by the DCB. Surat District Bar Association office-bearers said the chances of Chandrakant Kahar, Naresh Patel and Kallu Dagga getting away would brighten with the delay in filing the chargesheet.

While Chandrakant Kahar and Naresh Patel alias Naresh Naphtha were arrested on January 12, Kallu Dagga, the third accused was arrested on January 21. The application, seeking an extension in filing the chargesheet, comes in wake of an announcement made by the police commissioner that more arrests would be made soon, as the police investigations had now reached a `decisive phase'.