Weeping Telgi confesses to crime, asks for leniency

Pune, June 28 (UNI) Prime accused in the multi-crore fake stamp paper scam Abdul Karim Telgi today wept in the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court here before pleading guilty and begged for leniency considering his ill health. Special Judge Chitra Bhedi, before taking on record his guilt, asked Telgi whether he was pleading guilty under his own volition and not under any duress or offer. She also asked him whether he was aware of the ramifications of his acceptance of the crime that could invite as much as a life term.

Telgi said he had consulted his wife Shahida, whose advise was 'guna kabool karo and phir mujse bolo'(accept the crime and then speak to me). The Judge commented that she had ''performed the duty of a wife''.

However, Shahida interestingly pleaded ''not guilty''. 'Jab maine kucch kiya hi nahi mein kyon guna kabool karu' (when I have done nothing wrong, why should I accept the charge), she contended.

Telgi, however, pleaded for a lenient view due to 'ill health'', as he is HIV positive and it has no cure. He also said he was the sole earning member and his wife was ailing and on her death bed, besides, they have a young daughter.

When asked whether he was repentent, Telgi wept again and said because of him, many had suffered and many families were affected.

However, Public Prosecutor Raja Thakre urged the Judge in view of the overwhelming evidence, to sentence the accused to at least 20 years' imprisonment and impose an exemplary fine of Rs 20 crore, in view of the gravity of his crime as he had caused loss to the national exchequer, besides ruining the lives and families of many.

''He should be shown no mercy. What's the use of shedding such crocodile tears,'' he counter queried.

Mr Thakre said a person who is the principal conspirator should not be allowed less punishment as it would send wrong signals in society.

''Anyone can do anything and get away with it,'' he added.

On the other hand, defence counsel Milind Pawar pleaded for leniency, in view of his client's poor health. Telgi has a host of other medical complications including diabetes and blood pressure.

UNI