Essar & Loop promoters allowed to go abroad from Aug 2 to 26

Special CBI Judge O P Saini allowed the pleas of Essar group promoters Ravi Ruia and Anshuman Ruia and Loop Telecom promoters I P Khaitan and Kiran Khaitan after their counsel said their case is listed for hearing on August 27 and they would come back to attend the proceedings on that day.

Besides them, the court also allowed a similar plea of co-accused Vikash Saraf, Essar Group Director (Strategy and Planning).

"All five applications are allowed," the judge said after the CBI prosecutor did not object to their pleas.

CBI prosecutor A K Singh submitted that he does not have any objection to their pleas for travelling abroad from August 2 to August 26, but they must be present in the court on August 27.

Appearing for Ruias, senior advocate S V Raju said they would go to the USA, Canada and other places, but would return by August 26.

Besides Ruias, Khaitans and Saraf, three telecom firms -- Loop Telecom Pvt Ltd, Loop Mobile India Ltd and Essar Teleholdings Ltd -- have also been arrayed as an accused in the case of alleged conspiracy to cheat the government.