M A I N   N E W S

Fresh warrants against Chadha

NEW DELHI, Feb 3 (UNI) — Special CBI judge Ajit Bharihoke today issued arrest warrants against former Bofors agent Win Chadha as he failed to appear in court despite having been issued an Indian passport to enable him to travel to India to stand trial in the Rs 65 crore Bofors kickbacks case.

Mr Bharihoke issued the arrest warrants against Chadha for March 21 and also issued fresh summons against Swedish arms manufacturer A.B. Bofors, now known as Celsius, and former Bofors president Martin Ardbo.

However, the proceedings today were disrupted on account of a one-day strike call given by the Bar Council of India and the judge, who was hearing arguments by counsel Ritu Singh Mann on behalf of Win Chadha, adjourned the matter to February 5.

Earlier, the court had issued non-bailable arrest warrants against Chadha on December 14. However, these were cancelled on January 20 after Chadha represented before the court through his counsel that he was willing to come to India and appear before the court but could not as his passport had been impounded by the United Arab Emirates authorities last year following a request by India.

Counsel said that on January 6, Chadha applied for a passport to the Indian Consulate in Dubai and on January 12, he received a letter from the consulate informing him that he had been issued a passport with one-year validity.

Counsel said Chadha’s earlier passport issued by Belize and with a Dubai resident visa stamped on it had been impounded by the UAE authorities and he wanted the visa to be transferred to his Indian passport as he wanted to return to Dubai.

The counsel’s arguments were disturbed by the striking lawyers. The matter would be heard again on February 5.

Mr Bharihoke said though he was issuing the arrest warrants today, this may be reconsidered after the arguments are concluded.

Chadha had been given a temporary passport by the Indian Consulate-General in Dubai to enable him to appear him before the special court.

He had also written to External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh to assist him to procure a regular passport.

Counsel said her client was critically ill and was bed-ridden for the past 11 years. He wants to return to Dubai as he may need medical assistance soon after he deposes before the court.