Ripun’s remand extended by 14 days

From Our Spl Correspondent NEW DELHI, July 5 – Ripun Bora and his businessman friend Ramesh Maheswari’s cell phones have been sent to the CSFL laboratory for retrieval of evidence, while two more persons may be questioned by the CBI in connection with withdrawal of the bribe money from a bank in Guwahati. This was revealed by the Bureau’s Counsel before the CBI Special Court, here this afternoon, in response to a bail petition moved by Maheswari.Bora and Maheswari’s judicial custody have been extended for another 14 days till July 19, while Maheswari’s bail petition is coming up for hearing on July 9. Meanwhile, journalist Mukul Pathak was released here this evening after he deposited the bail amount to the court. He will leave for Guwahati tomorrow to appear in the ACS mains eximination on Monday.Meanwhile, pleading for Bora and Maheswari’s judicial remand, CBI’s counsel told the Court of Additional District and Session Judge, RK Yadav that his release might hamper the investigation. The CBI was opposing release of the businessman on bail. It may be mentioned that Maheswari’s driver, Sanjay in his statement had told the CBI that both Bora and Maheswari were on their way to airport on the fateful day of June 3, and talking over their cell phones in English and Assamese, which he could not understand. The cell phones belonging to both have been sent to the CSFL laboratory for retrieval of the data, which the CBI plans to use as evidence. However, the CBI is still waiting for the Report.The CBI also revealed that it was Maheswari, who had booked the room at Jukaso Inn for the meeting and also a room for Mukul Pathak at Hotel Opera in Karol Bagh area on May 16. It was CBI’s contention that Maheswari, if released, might influence his driver.Further, an amount of Rs 5 lakh, which was used as part of the bribe money was withdrawn from IDBI bank at Panbazar by three account holders. The CBI said it now plans to question the two account holders. In this case also Maheswari might have a role.Earlier, Maheswari’s counsel, Harish Gupta pleading for his release said that Maheswari’s role was minimal and has admitted before the CBI in a statement about role on that day. He said the CBI has all the evidence it needed and hence the question of tampering with evidence does not arise. He further mentioned that the case relates to Assam and his client is not a resident of that State.Meanwhile, Pathak’s relative arrived in the capital with the bond papers, however as the papers were in Assamese, the Court declined to accept it. They pledged to submit fresh set of surety bonds with Court. Pathak was released on interim bail till August 2 by the Special Court on a plea that he needed to appear for APSC mains examination.At the Court today, Bora looked little subdued and was quiet most of the time. His and Maheswari’s family were allowed to talk for some time at the Court by the Judge. Bora is yet to move his bail application. source assam tribune