2G case: Morani moves bail plea twice on a single day

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Cineyug Films Director Karim Morani, charge sheeted in the 2G spectrum scam, on Wednesday moved bail applications in a Delhi Court despite CBI terming as 'misconceived' his apprehension that he may be subjected to custodial interrogation.

Morani decided to file the second bail application after he withdrew the first as there were technical errors.

The first bail application was withdrawn after the CBI prosecutor allayed Morani's fear of being arrested for custodial interrogation. After the CBI prosecutor said that the apprehension was misconceived, Morani's counsel sought permission of Special Judge O. P. Saini to withdraw the bail application and even stated that there are some 'ypographical error' in it.

The court declared the application as 'dismissed as withdrawn' but gave Morani the freedom to approach it again after rectifying the errors in his plea. He preferred to utilise the liberty granted to approach the court afresh later in the day.

The court earlier had slated Morani's plea for hearing on May 6, the day the court has summoned three accused including DMK chief M. Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi and Morani, who have been charge sheeted by the CBI for their role in the scam but are yet to be arrested.

Morani moved the special court after the Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to hear his bail plea saying the judicial propriety demands that it should be heard first by the special court, set up for trying the 2G case.

Accordingly, he had moved the special court for bail under section 438 of CrPC, seeking court's direction for his release in case he is arrested on his appearance before it on Friday.

Morani had moved the Delhi High Court on Monday for bail, apprehending that he too would be arrested like some other accused on his appearance before the special court.

Morani along with DMK MP Kanimozhi, Kalaignar TV Managing Director Sharad Kumar, Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Balwa's cousin Asif Balwa and Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd's Director Rajeev Agarwal were chargesheeted by the CBI on April 25.

He is accused of facilitating the transfer of Rs 200 crore from Shahid Balwa-promoted DB Realty to Kalaignar TV in which Kanimozhi and Sharad Kumar have a stake of 20 per cent each. Dayaluammal, wife of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, has a 60 per cent share in the channel.

The court has issued summons to Kanimozhi, Sharad Kumar and Morani directing them to appear before him on May 6. Two others Asif Balwa and Rajeev Agarwal are already in jail.