Date:10/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/10/stories/2008021050110900.htm

National

CBI directed to verify assets of Chandraswami

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has directed the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate to verify the genuineness of property documents that self-styled god man Chandraswami wants to submit to the court in lieu of cash as a security for his return to the country after a month-long foreign tour.

Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul of the court had last month permitted him to go abroad to meet his disciples.

Chandraswami is facing prosecution in 10 cases — nine cases of violations of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act and one of criminal conspiracy for his alleged role in the assassination of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Mr. Justice Kaul issued the direction on an application by Chandraswami expressing his inability to deposit FDRs of Rs.1.10 crore as directed by the court due to lack of cash. He submitted he could submit Rs.20 lakh in cash as surety as directed.

For the remaining amount, he sought permission of the court to submit documents of his properties. Mr. Justice Kaul directed the two investigating agencies to examine the documents and file a report to the court within a week.