VVIP chopper case: Will begin arguments on trial segregation in May, says CBI to court

New Delhi: CBI will begin its arguments on segregation of trial in the Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper case next month. A statement to this effect was made by the agency's special public prosecutor before a local court earlier this week.

The agency's counsel, senior advocate DP Singh, submitted that the ongoing proceedings under Section 207 cannot become a hindrance in kickstarting the trial. According to Section 207 of CrPC, the accused should be provided with certain documents used by the prosecution to buttress its case against the accused.

The CBI counsel urged the court to grant the defence counsel last opportunity to conclude the Section 207 proceedings since the agency would begin its arguments on segregation of trial so that the process can start nearly 12 years after a probe was ordered in the case.

ET reported on February 23 that a local court had allowed an Enforcement Directorate plea, seeking segregation of trial in the case. ED had moved an application for segregating the trial of the accused who have been served summons and joined investigation from those who have either not been served summons or evaded the investigation.

It might be mentioned here that CBI, which is probing corruption charges in the VVIP chopper case, had moved a similar application in December 2022. However, the same is still pending and is yet to be argued by the agency.

A total of 60 accused are being probed by ED in the money laundering case. Of these, 21 have till date neither joined the investigation nor have been served summons by ED.

In its application, ED had submitted that the "summons/warrants issued by the court against 21 accused persons/entities could not be served despite best efforts".

The agency had urged the court to "separate" the case of the 21 accused "so that charges could be framed" against the remaining accused and the "trial may be initiated".