Bofors case: CBI withdraws application for further probe

Thursday, the CBI withdrew its application from a Delhi court seeking permission to further investigate the politically sensitive Rs 64-crore payoff case for Bofors. The agency told Navin Kumar Kashyap, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, that it wanted to withdraw the application submitted on February 1, 2018.

It had moved the court of the trial to seek permission in the matter for further probe saying that it had found fresh material and evidence. The agency submitted to the court on Thursday that it would take a decision on the further course of action and wanted to withdraw the request for now.

Taking note of CBI’s position, the judge said: “For the CBI’s best-known reason, if they wish to withdraw the application, they have the right as they are the applicants.” The court questioned on 4 December 2018 as to why the Central Investigation Bureau (CBI) requested permission to further investigate the matter.

The CBI also lodged an appeal at the Supreme Court on February 2, 2018, against the Delhi High Court’s May 31, 2005 verdict releasing all the accused in the case.

The apex court dismissed CBI’s appeal on November 2, 2018, seeking to condone the 13-year delay in filing the appeal against the judgment of the high court.

The apex court had said that it was not convinced with the grounds of the CBI to condone over 4,500 days’ delay in filing the appeal.

However, one of the appeals is still alive in the apex court in which CBI is one of the respondents and the top court on November 2, 2018, said that the agency can assist in the matter as respondent.

The apex court said the CBI can raise all grounds in the appeal against the high court verdict filed by advocate Ajay Agrawal who has also challenged the judgement.