Syndicate Bank case: Accused surrenders, sent to CBI custody

Alleged middleman Purshottam Totlani, who was evading arrest in a bribery case in which he along with Syndicate Bank CMD Sudhir Kumar Jain and others are accused, was today sent to two-day police custody by a special court after he surrendered before it.
Totlani surrendered before Special CBI Judge Swarana Kanta Sharma who sent him to CBI custody till September 19 after the agency said he was required for custodial interrogation in the case.
CBI prosecutor argued that there was enough incriminating evidence to connect Totlani with the case and the intercepted conversation shows his involvement in the conspiracy.
Totlani had earlier filed an anticipatory bail plea in the court which was dismissed on the ground that his custodial interrogation was required to unearth the entire conspiracy and to know about the trail of alleged bribe.

The court had also observed that Totlani had moved the anticipatory bail plea only after proceedings under section 82 of CrPC (proclamation for person absconding) was initiated against him.
It had noted that despite issuance of non-bailable warrant against Totlani twice, he had not joined the investigation.
During the day's hearing, the court also heard arguments on the bail plea of Bhushan Steel Ltd Vice Chairman and Managing Director Neeraj Singal, who was also an accused in the case.
CBI prosecutor opposed Singal's bail plea on the ground that he played a major role in the entire conspiracy and the court has already dismissed the bail pleas of some co-accused who have a lesser role in the case.