New Delhi | The CBI special court on Monday extended Agusta Westland Middleman Christian Michel’s custody for an additional 5 days.
The Central Beaureu of Investigation (CBI) had demanded a custody of further 9 days claiming that Michel was uncooperative and evasive during the custody. The agency further claimed that Michel didn’t co-operate with the Italian investigation in the case.
Opposing the custody Michel’s lawyer Aljo Joseph argued that Police custody is not required anymore as there is no incriminating evidence against Michel. CBI further informed the court that the British Council has approached it for consular access to Michel.
Earlier the CBI special court on December 5 sent Christian Michel to a 5 days CBI custody in a case related to the 3,600 crore AugustaWestland case. Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in politically-sensitive Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, was brought to India on late December 4 night following his extradition by the UAE. Earlier, the UAE Ambassador Ahmed Albana had said that the decision of the extradition of Christian Michel- a British citizen should be left on the judicial system of the United Arab Emirates.
Michel has been accused of influencing politicians, officials and journalists using monetary incentives to procure 12 VVIP helicopters, to be used for the Indian Prime Minister, the President and other important personalities. The deal signed in 2007, was scrapped in 2013 following the bribery allegations.
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