look news india
Kolkata, September 07 (HS). A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Asansol on Saturday deferred the process of framing of charges till November 14 in the coal smuggling case worth crores in West Bengal.
The reason for postponing the hearing of the case was the decision of the special court judge to give more time to the 50 accused so that they can file discharge petition in this period.
This is the third time that the process of framing of charges has been postponed by the special court. Earlier, the process was postponed on May 21 due to the absence of some accused. Then on August 9, the same reason was given.
Though this time all the 50 accused were present in the court on Saturday, the case was again adjourned to give them more time to file discharge petition.
The CBI also faced the judge's displeasure over the language of the summons sent to the prime accused in the case, Anup Manjhi alias Lala, for questioning. When the judge asked if the summons were issued over the telephone or a notice for questioning was issued, Manjhi's lawyer said the notice was sent through e-mail.
After examining the email, the judge expressed displeasure and said that the language of the summons did not make it clear whether Manjhi was being summoned as a witness or as an accused. The judge said, “This is not the correct procedure to issue summons, because the reason for sending the notice is not clear. The person concerned should know whether he is being summoned as a witness or as an accused.”
In May this year, a special CBI court had granted conditional bail to Manjhi after he was released hours after surrendering in the court. Earlier, the Supreme Court had granted Manjhi interim protection from arrest provided he cooperated in the investigation.
The alleged coal scam in West Bengal is linked to illegal mining and theft of coal from Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) leased areas in Kunustoria and Kajoria areas of East Burdwan district. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the money laundering angle in the case.