Tuesday, August 2 2005 20:59 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Irked by the repeated failure of CBI to produce Abdul Karim Telgi, the kingpin in the multi- crore fake stamp paper scam, a Delhi Court today (Aug 2, 2005) directed the agency to file a report explaining the steps taken by it for securing his presence through video-conferencing in a case registered in New Delhi.

"No report in relation to the production warrants already issued against Telgi and others by this court has been filed, neither has CBI been able to produce him in this court nor any other alternative modes of securing his presence, like video conferencing, made by the agency," Metropolitan Magistrate S S Rathi said.

The court expressed anguish over the delay in the probe into the case by the agency saying other accused in the case had been in jail for two years and nine months now with the trial yet to commence.

The court was hearing one of the several cases against Telgi in the capital which had been registered at Hauz Khaus Police Station in 2002 after one of the accomplice of Telgi, Mohammed Aasif was arrested with fake stamp papers worth Rs 5,50 lakh. The case was later transferred to CBI.

Asking CBI to expedite the probe, the court said, "The Constitutional rights of speedy trial of the deteneus is being overlooked by the agency due to prolonged investigation".

Meanwhile, the court deferred hearing on a pardon application by accused S K Das, who had turned approver in the case.