Next hearing of Barak missile scam on April 4

New Delhi, Mar 31 (UNI) A CBI court today heard arguments on the bail application of the Barak missile scam accused Suresh Nanda and his son Sanjeev Nanda who were arrested on charges of bribing an income tax official for fudging their account books.

On March 8, the CBI registered a case against Deputy Director (Income Tax) Ashutosh Verma, Suresh Nanda, Sanjeev Nanda and Vipin Shah under Section 120 B, 201, 204, 218 of IPC and various provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act.

The CBI contended that the accused entered into a criminal conspiracy for the purpose of manipulating the report of income tax investigation, to show undue favour to Suresh Nanda and his associates, abusing official position by a public servant for obtaining pecuniary advantage.

Verma had conducted searches at the premises of Suresh Nanda and his associates in February, 2007 and recovered large number of incriminating documents against Suresh Nanda and his associates related to evasion of income tax as well as their involvement in the defence deal and other related matters, the CBI stated.

It was alleged that Verma had shown the report to Vipin Shah, Nanda's chartered accountant, on his laptop and carried out the necessary changes in the report as per the direction of Suresh Nanda and his son before submitting it to his senior officers.

All the four accused are in judicial custody since March 11.

CBI Special Judge I K Kochar today heard the arguments on behalf of prosecution and defence counsel on the application of bail and adjourned the matter for further arguments for April 4.

UNI XC RC KN1715