BANGALORE: Abdul Kareem Lala alias Abdul Telgi had large amounts of currency notes stashed away in his "special room" when he was lodged in the Central Jail in Parappana Agrahara, Bangalore, and he allegedly paid then Jail Superintendent P.N. Jayasimha and others large sums of money from the cache. The currency notes were wrapped in paper and sent to scores of persons.

These are findings of the prosecution — the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) — and eyewitnesses recorded by the Special Court trying the fake stamp paper racket.

Special Judge A.S. Munnoli, who is the presiding officer of the court, has listed out Mr. Jayasimha's "omissions and commissions" and his "role" in facilitating Telgi to run the fake stamp paper racket.

Quoting from the accounts of the Stamp Investigation Team (STAMPIT) and the CBI, besides eyewitnesses, the court has said Mr. Jayasimha (the 32nd accused in the Madivala case which is related to the stamp paper racket) had frequent conversations with Telgi in the latter's special room.

Closed doors

Much of these meetings, it has said, took place behind closed doors after Mr. Jayasimha sent away warders and guards.

The court has recorded the prosecution's allegations that Telgi had a large of amount of money in his room and he paid Mr. Jayasimha and others from it. Whenever he received information that senior prison officials were to inspect the jail, Telgi would shift the money to another place, according to the findings.

Eyewitnesses have testified before STAMPIT and the CBI that Telgi was allowed to use a refrigerator and wear shoes.

Inclusion of names

In its order of December 22, 2005 refusing the CBI's request to discharge 20 persons from the case, the Special Court directed the CBI to include the names.

The court said it could not accept Mr. Jayasimha's contentions that he had only made some omissions on duty, and that there was no conscious breach of procedure.

On the other hand, his conduct would have penal consequences if the prosecution's allegation that he tampered with records was proved.

On Jayasimha's contention that he was not aware of Telgi using a mobile phone from jail, the court said several warders, prisoners and co-accused had testified to this.

The telephone jammer was switched off whenever Telgi wanted to make a call. When senior prison officials came for inspection, Telgi would have the cellphone taken away and brought back later. Telgi reportedly used the mobile phone several times in the presence of Mr. Jayasimha.

Mr. Jayasimha permitted three or four visitors to meet Telgi regularly.

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