Telgi refuses to make confessional statement through videoconferencing

Though he was ready with a 400-page confessional statement, the alleged kingpin in the multi billion rupee fake stamp paper racket Abdul Karim Telgi has refused to divulge its contents through videoconferencing, apprehending a threat to his life.

“I am ready with the confessional statement, but will make it only in Bangalore”, Telgi told the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate in Bangalore through videoconferencing from a jail in Pune, where he is presently lodged.

Holding a bunch of paper sheets, which Telgi claimed contained his confessional statement, the alleged kingpin of the scam feared that the videoconferencing could be tapped, posing a danger to his life. For, his confessional statement would find mention of names of several influential politicians, policemen and others involved in the scam.

Telgi also claimed that the security personnel around him while making a confessional statement were also a threat.

In view of Telgi’s unwillingness to make a confessional statement through videoconferencing, the Chief Metropolitan magistrate hearing the case adjourned the hearing to July 12.

Meanwhile, Telgi’s advocate M T Nanaiah told reporters that an application had been filed in the Karnataka High Court seeking permission for Telgi to depose personally before the Chief Metropolitan magistrate for recording the confessional statement. The High Court will take up the case shortly.

But, the counsel for CBI, which is investigating the case, is of the opinion that Telgi’s refusal to make the confessional statement through videoconferencing is yet another bid by the accused to be taken to Bangalore.

The CBI had earlier argued against Telgi’s physical presence in Bangalore to make the confessional statement.