Telgi, others refuse to appear before video conf

Pune, July 2: Prime accused in the fake stamp paper scam Abdul Karim Telgi and over 50 other accused today refused to appear before the Additional Sessions Judge through video-conferencing at the Yerawada Jail stating that the judge did not have the power under MCOCA to hear the proceedings.

Protesting, Telgi and others shot off an application to the Bombay High Court stating that they would appear only before a designated court. Among those who appeared before the court through video conferencing included former MLA Anil Gote, former Telgu Desam MLA Krishna Boyanna, PI Gokul Patil, Azim Telgi, Rashid Kulkarni, Dilip Kamat. Telgi's wife did not appear owing to ill health.

The Additional Sessions Judge Chitra K Bhidre extended the judicial custody of all the accused till July 24. Earlier, the designated court of B N Sardeshpande hearing the fake stamp scam case was transferred a few months ago without a replacement.

UNI