SC extends deadline for CBI keeping Vipin Khanna's passport

New Delhi, Feb 26 (UNI) The Supreme Court today extended till March ten for returning the passport of an NRI, Vipin Khanna, whose company in India and abroad are under CBI investigation in the Food-for-oil scam, exposed by the Volckar Committee report.

The CBI has been opposing the petition of Khanna, a relative of former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh, for release of his passport on the grounds that he was required for interrogation for his alleged involvement in the scam, which took place in Iraq in 2001, and illegal money running into crores, was transferred to the accounts of the companies of Andalib Sehgal, the main accused in the case.

Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which impounded the passport of Khanna, was directed by the apex court to return it to the accused by February 28. But the deadline was extended today following the statement of the CBI that he was required for further interrogation and the investigating agency has the powers under section 91 Cr.PC. to seize any document.

UNI