Bengaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) looking into the Rs 4,000 crore IMA scam suffered a setback in securing the custody of kingpin Mohammed Mansoor Khan as the Special court extended his custody with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) till August 1.
Mr Raman Gupta, Deputy Director, ED, maintained that the custody of Mansoor was sought as the investigation is yet to be completed by the ED. “We have the legal provision and we are utilising it. ED couldn't conduct the investigation in the first three days as the main accused was in hospital. Now, electronic evidence has to be analysed. If SIT can take custody of IMA directors for 10-15 days, can't we investigate the accused who knows everything about the case," he defended.
But SIT sources maintained that the major part of the IMA scandal is being investigated by them. If at all, the chargesheet has to be filed based on their investigation, they said.
Mr Girish S., DCP (Crime), maintained that ED has got full custody of Mansoor for 14 days. The investigation could be delayed a bit, but there is no problem, he said.
DC, AC out on bail
Former Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner B.V. Vijayashankar, former assistant commissioner L.C. Nagaraj, revenue inspector Manjunath and BDA executive engineer P.D. Kumar Nayak, who were arrested in the IMA scandal, were granted by the special court.
Their counsel argued before the court that the accused are public servants and they can only be tried under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The SIT has alleged that the officers took money promising an NOC (No Objection Certificate) to IMA. But they did not demand the money, the advocates said. The counsel also submitted that the special court has no jurisdiction to conduct the trial of public servants as they can only be tried by a Special Lokayukta court.
SIT issues notice to CID
In an interesting development, the SIT probing the IMA scam issued a notice to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). CID officials have been asked to appear before the SIT team with documents related to the IMA probe, which was earlier conducted by the Special Enquiry Wing of the CID. SIT sources confirmed that the notice has been issued to CID. Once the documents are verified, the role of the officer who earlier gave a clean chit to the IMA will be ascertained, the sources said.
