CBI court denies bail to ex-minister Phillaur, son

Tribune News Service

Mohali, December 6

In a multi-crore drug racket case, the CBI court today denied the anticipatory bail to seven accused here.

The court denied the anticipatory bail to Punjab former minister Swaran Phillaur, his son Damanvir Singh Phillaur, former chief parliamentary secretary Avinash Chander, Sachin Sardana and his wife Rashmi Sardana, Sushil Sardana and his wife Kailash Sardana.

Special Public Prosecutor Jagjit Singh Sarao said, “With denial of anticipatory bails, all seven accused, who are still at large, will now have to surrender on or before December 12, the next date of hearing.”

The accused can also move the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s special double bench, constituted by the apex court to deal with bail applications in drug cases, said sources.

The Enforcement Directorate had registered a case against 12 persons on March 25, 2013, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in this connection.

Earlier on July 12, the ED had submitted its final chargesheet against 12 accused, including former Phillaur, his son and the former CPS, besides eight companies under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The prosecution has sought imprisonment of up to 10 years for all 12 accused and owners of eight companies plus confiscation of properties with a market value of Rs 65 crore.