Telgi changes mind, says ready to plead guilty

Pune, June 27 (UNI) In yet another dramatic twist to the fake stamp paper scam case, prime accused Abdul Karim Telgi, who had yesterday stoutly denied all accusatins against him in the special MCOCA court, informed the court today that he was ready to plead guilty.

Telgi's lawyer Milind Pawar said his client, inspired by 43 of the 65 accused who pleaded guilty to the charges before special Judge Chitra Bhedi, wanted to plead guilty tomorrow. An oral submission was made before the court.

When Judge Bhedi wanted to know why he was delaying the matter till tomorrow, Telgi said he wished to consult his wife, Shahida. To which, the Judge allowed time till 1100 hrs tomorrow for accepting and pleading guilty to all the charges framed against him.

However, the Judge chided Telgi for flip-flop, saying that her experience was that he never kept his word.

A subdued Telgi assured the court that he would plead guilty tomorrow after his wife Shahida arrived from Bangalore.

The Judge warned that if he failed to keep his word he would be fined for the same. She also said she would look into the legal aspects of the case.

Telgi's counrel said if Shahida failed to show up in the court tomorrow, she would have to serve a jail term.

UNI