Saturday, February 4 2006 15:41 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Pune: Prime accused in the fake stamp scam Abdul Karim Telgi, who was produced before a local court today(Feb 4,2006) for recording of his confessional statement in a 1995 stamp case, was remanded in judicial custody for 48 hours to give him enough time for reflection before the confession.

He was produced before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate D W Modak as per the directions of Additional Sessions Judge U D Salvi of Mumbai on January 31.

The kingpin had expressed his desire to confess in a 1995 fake stamp paper case registered in Mumbai when he was produced before the Mumbai court through video-conferencing from Pune's Yerawada Central Jail, where he is lodged, on Tuesday last.

Modak informed Telgi that he was being given time of 48 hours for reflection.

"You will be kept in magisterial custody during the period and then produced before the court on Monday at 11:40 am", Modak said in his order.

The Chief Judical Magistrate told Telgi that he was at liberty even at this point of time to not make the statement though he may have expressed his desire for the same before the special court in Mumbai.

"I am not holding trial in the case. You can refuse to make the confession even now. You are fully independent", the CJM said.