CBI opposes Deshmukh bail plea, says he is a 'flight risk'

Opposing the bail plea of former state home minister Anil Deshmukh in a corruption case, the CBI said the depositions recorded before the state-appointed Chandiwal Commission were not recorded under the relevant section of the Evidence Act, hence at this stage, it could be unsafe to place any reliance on them. In his bail plea, Deshmukh had pointed to alleged discrepancies in the statements given by witnesses before the commission and the CBI in connection to the alleged crime.

- Rebecca.Samervel @timesgroup.com

The CBI said Deshmukh was a flight risk and could flee the country or tamper with evidence. The CBI said the chargesheet against Deshmukh was submitted on the basis of admissible oral and documentary evidence establishing his criminal involvement.

"It is submitted that the accused was holding very high public office, by abusing his official position as public servant, he has committed serious offences, therefore, not entitled to be released on bail," the reply said.