The Court suggestion came on an apprehension of the Enforcement Directorate that Saxena may not return to cooperate with the ongoing trial against the other accused
The Supreme Court on Tuesday told Rajeev Saxena – the accused-turned-approver in the AgustaWestland chopper deal scam – that his request to travel abroad could be accepted on furnishing two sureties worth Rs five crore each. The Court suggestion came on an apprehension of the Enforcement Directorate that Saxena may not return to cooperate with the ongoing trial against the other accused.
Saxena, who is suffering from blood cancer and several other ailments, is out on bail since his extradition from Dubai earlier this year in connection with the money laundering probe in the Rs 3600 crore worth VVIP chopper deal. According to ED, three firms run by Saxena – Interstellar Technologies in Mauritius, UHY Saxena and Matrix Holdings, both based in Dubai, were used by the main accused in the VVIP chopper scam Gautam Khaitan to park the alleged kickbacks received from two firms linked to AgustaWestland.
After Rajeev Saxena turned approver, the ED counted on his statement to nail the guilt of the other accused in the case. But on June 10, the Delhi High Court allowed Saxena to visit Dubai, the United Kingdom and Europe to treat his ailments. Challenging this order, ED approached the Supreme Court.
Arguing for ED, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that Saxena has no roots in India and going by the Delhi HC decision, he needs to make a deposit of Rs 50 lakh as guarantee against his return, which is pittance for him. The Vacation Bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai noted that the accused needs treatment but agreed that imposition of harsher conditions would satisfy the apprehension raised by ED. At one point during the hearing, the bench asked Mehta, "Are you powerless to get him back (if he fails to return)," Mehta confidently replied that no country would accept it was powerless. However, this could delay the trial. Saxena's lawyers informed the Court that Saxena's sister and sister-in-law are ready to stand surety for his return. But on the quantum of Rs five crore each, Saxena's lawyers sought time to take instructions.
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