Khanna's passport to be deposited CBI special judge: SC

New Delhi, Aug 24 (UNI) The Supreme Court today directed the CBI to deposit the passport of an NRI , Vipin Khanna before the CBI special judge Patiala House Court, New Delhi.

Khanna is a relative of former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh and is suspected to be involved in Oil for Food scandal.

A bench comprising Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan and Justices Tarun Chatterjee and RV Raveendran directed the petitioner to approach the CBI special judge, New Delhi, for the release of his passport. The apex court directed the CBI to deposit the passport of Khanna in the Patiala House court within a fortnight.

Additional Soliciter General, Amarender Saran , vehemently opposed the plea of Khanna for the release of his passport impounded by CBI on March 15 this year, and contended that the man was involved in Barak Missile Deal and had allegedly taken Rs 56 crores as kick backs in the deal. Besides, Mr Saran also said that Khanna had visited Isreal several times and he will not return to India if he is allowed to leave the country.

Mr Saran informed the Supreme Court that the special judge CBI has issued Letter Rogatory to Interpol for permission to the CBI to investigate the deal in other countries also.

UNI