CBI opposes Chandolia bail plea: part of ‘core sector of conspiracy’

By opposing Chandolia’s bail,the CBI has sent the message that it will do the same with Raja,the first accused in the case. “The core sector of conspiracy comprises these three gentlemen (Raja,Behura and Chandolia) and they fall in the same category which is different from others who are granted bail,” Special Public Prosecutor U U Lalit submitted before CBI Judge O P Saini. The judge has reserved his order on the application,and is set to deliver it on Thursday.

At the same time,Behura’s bail application is pending before the Delhi High Court,which will continue to hear arguments on the matter on Thursday. The CBI has also opposed granting of bail to Behura.

Lalit told judge Saini that the principle of parity that his court,as well as the High Court,used while granting bail to a total of six accused does not apply to Raja,Behura and Chandolia.

After the Supreme Court granted bail to five accused on November 23,the other accused had moved subordinate courts,saying they were charged with the same offences and therefore should be released on grounds of parity.

“These three gentlemen (Raja,Behura and Chandolia) are on a different footing…. It will be unrealistic to draw a parity with those released on bail,” Lalit said. Opposing Chandolia’s bail plea,Lalit said he had “modified and altered” the cut-off dates for applying for the Unified Access Services Licences which benefited the private companies.

Lalit elaborated upon the allegations against Chandolia: “He is referred to as the key person as far as altering the cut-off date and shuffling the priority of applicants is concerned. His role is also in designing the manner in which letter of intents (LoIs) was being distributed.”