Setback for Sharma: Court orders release of chopper to owner

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

New Delhi, May 9 (UNI) A local court today ordered the release of a helicopter that had been seized from alleged Dawood aide Romesh Sharma and that it be handed over to its owner on a bond of Rs 50 lakh.

The court also asked the owner, H Suresh Rao, to get an insurance policy for the chopper and not sell it or make any changes in it till the case was disposed.

The ruling comes against Sharma, a day after he was sentenced to five years' rigorous imprisonment for FERA violations involving Rs 1.22 crore.

Rao had in October 1998 lodged a complaint that Sharma had taken the helicopter on rent from him for his election campaign in Phoolpur constituency near Allahabad.

He alleged that Sharma had manipulated the documents in such a manner to show that he had bought the chopper. He also charged that Sharma had engaged dons like Chhota Shakeel and others to threaten him.

In November 1998, a Delhi court had ordered the release of the helicopter to Suresh but the High Court had delayed the release until evidence is recorded.

Today's order of Additional Sessions Judge Rajiv Mehra came after a total of 94 witnesses were examined.

Sharma is facing trial in a dozen of cases registered against him since 1998.

UNI

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