CBI seeks maximum sentence for ex-minister Sukhram

New Delhi, Feb 24 (ANI): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today pleaded before a Delhi court to give the maximum punishment of seven years to former Union Communications Minister Sukhram in connection with a disproportionate assets case.

Special CBI prosecutor Gurdial Singh told Special CBI Judge V K Maheshwari that Sukhram is liable for a maximum sentence under the Prevention of Corruption Act as the wealth was collected during his tenure as a Minister.

Advocate S P Minocha, who is representing Sukhram, pleaded for a lenient approach on account of the minister's poor health.

The judge said he would pronounce the quantum of sentence against Sukhram on Wednesday.

On February 20, the court said, Sukhram, a cabinet colleague of Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao, amassed disproportionate assets, both movable and immovable, to the tune of Rs 5.36 crore between 1991 and 1996.

Maheshwari had reserved his judgment in the case on February 17 after the CBI and the former minister's counsel wrapped up their arguments.

Meanwhile, Sukhram has claimed innocence, saying he was a victim of political rivalry between then Prime Ministers H D Deve Gowda and Rao. (ANI)