New Delhi: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on July 24 refuted Hindujas' allegation that there was inordinate delay in probe and trial in the Rs 64 crore Bofors pay-off case and charged the Europe-based brothers with adopting delaying tactics.

In its reply filed before special Judge Prem Kumar to the Hindujas' plea for quashing of CBI chargesheet on the ground of undue delay in the probe and trial, the agency sought dismissal of the same saying it was devoid of merit.

In their application filed on July 19, Hinduja brothers-Srichand, Gopichand and Prakashchand- had sought quashing of the CBI chargesheet against them saying, "delayed probe and delayed trial" in the case was violative of their fundamental right to speedy trial.

They had held CBI responsible for the delay of over 12 years in the probe and filing of chargesheet in the case.

However, the probe agency submitted there was no undue delay on the part of CBI at any stage of the case.

"The delay during investigation and before the trial court was generally due to circumstances beyond the control of CBI and delaying tactics adopted by the accused," CBI said asserting that there was no violation of the rights of the accused as contained in Article 21 of the Constitution.

From contesting transmission of documents/evidence from Switzerland to India to filing numerous applications/petitions the accused brothers had been trying to delay the progress of the case, the probe agency alleged.

Giving a brief history of investigation into the case, CBI tried to impress upon the court that it had always acted promptly in the matter.

PTI