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
Sharmas 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 Ibrahims 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.
|