Weeks after the CBI said that it plans to file a supplementary charge-sheet in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, the agency on Monday threw a surprise by seeking further custodial interrogation of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the deal. The application moved by the CBI found the lawyers Aljo K Joseph, Vishnu Shankar, and Sriram rushing to Delhi special court, where the British national was produced. The CBI said it needs permission to interrogate him and also get a specimen of his signature and handwriting for corroborating documents it has recovered during the investigation.
Michel had earlier claimed before the court that he suffers from dyslexia which is the reason why he writes in capital letters. Michel's counsel is likely to impress upon the court that the CBI already has his specimen signature and the fresh move of the CBI is a deliberate attempt to make Michel write in cursive handwriting in a particular way so that it matches with the documents with the agency. Michel's lawyers had earlier alleged that Michel was made to write on multiple pages in cursive handwriting when the CBI took his sample signature for the first time.
When the matter comes before the court on September 20, Michel's lawyers are expected to raise these issues when they put up their replies to the agency's plea before a final decision is taken on his interrogation.
The Delhi High court recently denied bail to Michel on the ground he is a British national and even saying that he may even make attempts to escape.
Michel was extradited from Dubai on December 4 last year and was sent to Tihar jail after month-long custodial interrogation by CBI and ED (Enforcement Directorate) during the last eight months. Instead of getting bail, Michel is now likely to be answering further questions of the CBI in Tihar jail as the CBI is confident of getting access to him through the Delhi High Court.
The agency's sources said that they have enough evidence to establish Michel's role as a middleman who was hired by AgustaWestland to influence people— government officials, politicians and even journalists, to secure the deal. The CBI alleged that Michel's companies received Rs 295 crore from Finmeccanica (now Leonardo), the parent company of AgustaWestland helicopter.
