Panel to monitor probe against
Romesh Sharma
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, Oct 28 — The closeness of some senior politicians to self-styled property dealer-turned- politician Romesh Sharma could prove to be a stumbling block for the investigating agencies.

Sources here said investigating agencies were perplexed over how to proceed in the investigations as Romesh Sharma was known to be in touch with politicians from both the ruling coalition and Opposition parties. Although the Delhi Police has still not found any concrete evidence linking these politicians with Romesh Sharma, sources said some of them used to frequently visit the Mayfair Garden residence of the accused.

According to reports, even the Central government had information regarding Sharma’s links with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and the intelligence agencies had even taped his conversations with the Dubai-based gangster. But it took a long time before taking a decision to take action against the accused.

The sources said the closeness of senior politicians to Sharma could also have a direct bearing on the forthcoming Assembly elections, specially in the Capital. As a result of this, the investigating agencies could also face some pressures from both the ruling coalition and the Opposition parties.

Meanwhile, reports said Sharma was also facing another case in the Tis Hazari Courts by income tax authorities regarding the bouncing of four cheques issued by him. Sharma was apparently suppose to pay about Rs 1.14 crore to the income tax authorities in the form of penalties.

The CBI would monitor the probe being conducted by the Delhi Police into the underworld links of Dawood Ibrahim’s alleged frontman, Sharma, who was recently arrested in the Capital, Union Home Minister L. K. Advani said here today.

The Centre would also constitute a high-level inter-departmental group to monitor the probe and ensure proper coordination and cooperation between the various central intelligence agencies and the Delhi police. The CBI has been asked to monitor the case keeping view the alleged links between Sharma and Dawood. The inter-departmental group is likely to be headed by CBI Joint Director R N Kaul, Mr Advani said.

Meanwhile, a Delhi court today also remanded Sharma in judicial custody.

The Metropolitan Magistrate, Mr Pratap S Malik, remanded Sharma in judicial custody till November 11. He was arrested by the police on October 21 on charges of cheating, violation of the Arms Act, and the Abduction and Excise Act.

Counsel for the prosecution filed two fresh complaints against Sharma. The complaints alleged that Sharma had illegally grabbed 64-A and 65-A Upper II floor Regal building owned by Mr Sanjay Sabharwal. Another complaint alleged that Sharma cheated an advocate, Mr Rajeev Sharma.