Rao’s plea in Sharma case accepted

NEW DELHI, Nov 30: The Delhi High Court today accepted the plea of a Mumbai-based businessman, H Suresh Rao, for waiver of the condition ...

NEW DELHI, Nov 30: The Delhi High Court today accepted the plea of a Mumbai-based businessman, H Suresh Rao, for waiver of the condition of depositing Rs 2.5 lakh per month for one year as security for releasing a disputed helicopter allegedly grabbed by the controversial politician Romesh Sharma.

Justice J B Goel passed an order to this effect after Rao said his financial position was not as sound that he could deposit the amount of Rs 2.5 lakh per month. The trial court had on November 27 imposed the condition on Rao while asking CBI and the Income Tax authorities to restore the helicopter to him.

However, the High Court upheld other conditions, imposed by Delhi Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) R K Gauba, which include furnishing of a Rs 60 lakh bond and a surety of Rs 30 lakh by Rao. The CMM had directed Rao to arrange insurance cover from General Insurance Company for the copter.

Story continues below this ad

According to Rao’s complaint with the police, Sharma, who had hired the helicopter during the 1996 Lok Sabhaelections, refused to return it after “forcibily grabbing” it.

CBI counsel A K Dutt told the High Court today that the agency had no objection if the condition of deposit of Rs 2.5 lakh by Rao for one year was waived. The helicopter was impounded by the Income Tax authorities after Rao lodged a complaint last month.