Mumbai: Sameer Bhujbal, the high-profile nephew of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, was today (Feb 28, 2004) grilled for three hours in the third round of questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the multi-crore fake stamp paper scam.

In response to summons issued by SIT, Sameer arrived at its Worli office in Central Mumbai at about 11.00 hrs (IST) and was questioned for almost three hours, SIT sources said.

He was earlier grilled on January 19 and February 25 and was called again as the questioning was incomplete, the sources said.

Sameer was quizzed on the alleged links of politicians with the prime accused in the fake stamp paper scam Abdul Karim Telgi.

SIT sources said scamster Telgi had got some police officers transferred using his proximity with some Mantralaya functionaries. SIT questioned Sameer to find out whether he was aware about Telgi's inroads into Mantralaya or if he was ever introduced to Telgi.

The scientific tests of multi-millionaire Antim Totla and his brother-in-law Prakash Jakhete have yielded important information. Sameer was also questioned on these lines, as he is a close friend of Totla.

Totla is alleged to have financed the Bangalore trip of DF legislators during the political turmoil of July 2001. Although Totla denied the allegations he admitted that he was close to some politicians.

The SIT has also come across names of some political figures in the transcripts of conversation of Telgi recorded by Bangalore police. The SIT sought clarifications from Sameer on them, the sources said.

Sameer's uncle and former Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has been summoned for questioning on March 2.