Quattrocchi's case: SC seeks explanation from CBI

New Delhi, Feb 26: The Supreme Court today directed the CBI toexplain within a week the steps taken by it for the extradition ofItalian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, the main suspect in the Rs 64crore Bofors gun scandal, from Argentina to India.

A Bench comprising Justices C K Thakker and V S Sirpurkar toldAdditional Solicitor General Gopal Subramaniam, ''It is a very seriousmatter and we hope that the Government of India is also serious.'' TheASG informed the court that a two-member CBI team will be leaving forArgentina on February 28 for seeking the extradition of the Italianfugitive.

The court also issued notices to the Centre and the CBI on anapplication filed by Mr Ajay Aggarwal, a Supreme Court advocate,seeking directions to the CBI to take immediate steps to ensure thatQuattrocchi is brought to India this time and is not allowed to slipaway as was the case earlier.

Mr Aggarwal also contended that the main suspect in the about Rs1400 crore gun deal was detained by the Argentinian authorities onFebruary 6 and the extradition application must be filed within 30 daysand the deadline expires on March 7.

The applicant has also accused the CBI of suppressing the factfrom the court on February 12 when it already had the information aboutthe detention of Quattrocchi on February 8 and the CBI conduct wastantamount to contempt of court.

UNI

Related Stories