CBI for separate trial of Hindujas

NEW DELHI, MAY 4. In an apparent bid to speed up trial, the CBI today moved a Designated Court for a separate trial of the three Hinduja brothers and three other accused in the Rs. 64 crores Bofors payoffs case.

The Special Judge, Mr. R.L. Chugh, asked the six accused - Mr. S.P. Hinduja, Mr. G.P. Hinduja, Mr. P.P. Hinduja, former Bofors agent, Mr. Win Chadha, former Defence Secretary, Mr. S.K. Bhatnagar and the Swedish company A B Bofors - to file replies to the CBI plea by May 8 after their counsel insisted on being heard before the court passed an appropriate order on the issue.

The court also rejected Hindujas' plea for exemption from personal appearance on May 8.

The CBI's application for separation of trial of the Hinduja brothers and three other accused follows a Delhi High Court order directing the probe agency to approach the Special Court for splitting up the trial of these accused from that of the Kuala Lumpur-based Italian businessman, Mr. Ottavio Quattrocchi and former Bofors chief, Mr. Martin Ardbo.

As against these persons accused, Mr. Quattrocchi and Mr. Ardbo, have not appeared before the court so far despite issuance of summons and non-bailable warrants. The CBI told the court that obtaining the attendance of Mr. Ardbo and Mr. Quattrocchi may take time. Meanwhile, the trial court had extended the NBW against the Italian businessman till further orders.

- PTI

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