Court denies bail to man accused of cheating by impersonating Delhi CM's aide
Observing that 'economic offences are serious in nature,' a sessions court last week rejected a bail plea of a man booked for cheating a city-based businessman of Rs. 8.74 lakh under the garb of securing a tender for him claiming that he had a 'close acquaintance' with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
While an additional sessions judge passed an order on bail application by one Sunny Gupta on June 13, the detailed court order was made available on Monday.
The Mumbai Police, through its Azad Maidan Police station had on May 7 arrested Sunny Bhadri Gupta alias Manish Singh under the offences of cheating and criminal intimidation, based on a complaint filed by a businessman Kundan Singh.
As per prosecution, in March, this year, Singh met Gupta at a programme organised at a friend's residence in Andheri (West) area, where Singh informed Gupta about a print media tender issued by Delhi Tourism department, and that he was making efforts to secure the same.
In response, Gupta allegedly responded that he had 'close acquaintance' with Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and assured Singh that he could arrange an introduction and assist him in procuring the tender.
On March 26, Gupta allegedly told Singh that in order to secure the tender, it would be necessary to present gifts, expensive clothes, gold ornaments and cash of Rs 5 to 6 lakhs to the Delhi CM.
The complainant further said that when he inquired whether the tender would be definitely awarded to him, Gupta gave an assurance and made a phone call in Singh's presence, purporting to discuss the tender.
As per Singh, the bail applicant displayed caller ID on his mobile screen which showed the name 'Rekha Gupta,' which led Singh to believe that the applicant had genuine access and influence and which would indeed help secure the tender as promised.
Thereafter, as per complaint, Singh paid Rs. 8.74 lakh to Gupta through different transactions including gifts, expensive clothes, gold ornaments and online payments and the transactions were allegedly carried out in presence of Singh's friend.
On March 31, Singh and Gupta were to visit Delhi for work related to the concerned tender, however, as per complainant, Gupta did not accompany him.
After reaching Delhi, Singh contacted Gupta, but did not receive any response, after which he returned to Mumbai. As per Singh, he then demanded returned money, but Gupta allegedly failed to repay the same and instead sent death threats to Singh, prompting him to lodge a police complaint.
Gupta claimed that he never received any money from Singh and he was falsely implicated in the case, therefore he should be released on bail.
After perusing submissions, the court noted that the amount in question was not received till date and investigation was still on.
'In such circumstances, if the applicant/accused is released on bail, there is a possibility that he may tamper with evidence which may hamper prosecution.. It is not proper to release the applicant/accused on bail at this stage,' the court held and rejected bail plea.
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