CBI Seeks Two Weeks Time to Study Options in Bofors Case
In Bofors case, the CBI has sought two weeks’ time before a Delhi court for finding and deciding on alternatives available in the multi-crore payoff in the wake of lifting of Red Corner notice against Italian Businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi.
Submitting a status report in a court of Metropolitan Magistrate Manish Yaduvanshi, Additional Solicitor General PP Malhotra said that the CBI needed two weeks’ time to study the options available for proceeding against Quattrocchi.
Taking his submission into account, the court adjourned the matter till October 3.
In the last trial on April 30, the Additional Solicitor General appearing on the behest of CBI, had informed the court that the Red Corner Notice against Quattrocchi was withdrawn in November last year. Then he had sought two months time to decide on the future course of action in the matter.
The Interpol had withdrawn the Red Corner Notice against 70-year-old Quattrocchi, which was first issued in 1997, following a communication from CBI.
Quattrocchi was declared a proclaimed offender as he did not appear to face trial and, as a result, charges could not be framed against him despite two chargesheets in the case.
The FIR was registered on January 22, 1990, three years after Swedish Radio alleged that A B Bofors, the makers of the 155mm Howitzers, had paid kickbacks to top Indian politicians and key defence officials to secure the Rs 1,437 crore gun deal.
