Fake stamp paper case: Abdul Karim Telgi acquitted Over a Year After His Death
Nashik, Dec 31: The Nashik sessions court in Maharashtra Monday acquitted late Abdul Karim Telgi and seven others in a 2004 multi-crore fake stamp paper case in absence of "solid evidence" against them.
Telgi, who was convicted in several cases in connection with the scam and sentenced to imprisonment of 30 years in total, died in Bengaluru in October last year while serving his jail term.
Charges against Telgi, believed to be the kingpin of the scam that was spread over several states, were abated after his death.
In his order, district and sessions court judge, first class, P R Deshmukh acquitted Telgi and seven others for want of evidence against them.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed a chargesheet against Telgi and others in a Nashik court in August 2004 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The CBI had contended that the accused, including the officers and constables of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), colluded with Telgi by selling him stamp papers by opening sealed packets when they were transported to the Nashik railway yard from the city-based India Security Press, said defence advocate M Y Kale.
These stamp papers were meant to be dispatched to treasuries of various state governments.
The India Security Press (ISP) is a subsidiary of the Security Printing & Minting Corporation of India (SPMCIL), a public undertaking of the Union government.
ISP, located in Nashik, is tasked with printing passports, visas, postage stamps, postcards, inland letters, envelopes, non-postal adhesives, court fees, fiscal, and Hundi stamps in the country.
The court had framed charges against the eight accused in February 2015, Kale said.
The court examined 49 witnesses during the trial, he said, adding that the accused were acquitted by the judge in absence of "solid evidence".
Besides Telgi, other accused acquitted Monday are identified as RPF officials Rambhau Pawar, Brijkishore Tiwari, Vilaschandra Joshi, Dnyaneshwar Barke, Pramod Dahage, Mohammed Sarvar and Vilas More.
It cannot be immediately confirmed whether these officials are still serving with the RPF or are retired from service.
The government pleader, who represented the CBI in the case, didn't talk with reporters.
Telgi had printed fake stamp papers allegedly in connivance with government officials and politicians, and sold them to banks, stock brokerage firms and insurance companies.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Talks on non-veg food demand at Kannada Sahitya Sammelana on dec 16: Min. Chaluvarayaswamy
Mandya: District In-Charge Minister and reception committee chairman N. Chaluvarayaswamy announced plans to meet with progressive organizations that have requested the inclusion of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food at the upcoming 87th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana. The discussions will take place on Monday, December 16.
Speaking after inspecting the conference stage preparations on Saturday, Chaluvarayaswamy stated that leaders of these organizations have requested a meeting to address their demands. He assured that arrangements for the large gathering—expected to attract one to one-and-a-half lakh participants—will prioritize convenience for attendees.
He added that construction of the stage is progressing swiftly and will be completed by Tuesday or Wednesday. Chaluvarayaswamy plans to oversee the construction work personally to ensure its timely completion.
The conference will give prominence to discussions on diverse topics, including agriculture and literature. The Minister expressed satisfaction with the collective efforts of the District Collector, Sahitya Parishad members, MLAs, former MLAs, organizations, and the general public in making the event a success.
The event was also attended by MLA Ravikumar Ganiga, Legislative Council Member Dinesh Gooli gowda, Mysugar President C.D. Gangadhar, District Collector Dr. Kumar, and other officials and leaders.
