Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 24: The High Court today rejected the bail application of Hilal Rather, son of ex-Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather, who was allegedly involved in Rs 177 crore J&K Bank loan scam.
After hearing Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi and Advocate Pranav Kohli for the applicant whereas Advocate Monika Kohli for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Justice Puneet Gupta observed, “the accused faces charges which are of serious nature. The bail cannot be granted on the mere asking of the accused nor can the accused claim bail as a matter of right. Each case has to be decided on its own merits”.
“The CBI has opposed the application on the ground that the accused has misappropriated the loan amount and utilized the same for his personal use. The investigation in the case is still going on to unearth the larger conspiracy involved in the matter”, High Court said, adding “the accused has been provided adequate treatment at Government Medical College, Jammu and PGI Chandigarh while in judicial custody by the jail authorities”.
“It is further stated that there is nothing on record to suggest that the condition of jail is not clean and hygienic or that adequate measures are not taken by the jail authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19”, Justice Puneet said, adding “the Special Judge has rejected the interim bail application of the accused vide Order dated 31.03.2020. The condition of the accused is stable and does not require any special treatment as per the record”.
“It is submitted that the Medical Report of PGI Chandigarh appears to be manipulated one and this fact has been observed by the trial court in its order dated 31.03.2020. The case of the accused does not fall within the directions of the Supreme Court so as to entitle him for bail”, High Court further observed, adding “the accused can tamper with the evidence if released on bail as he is stated to be highly influential”.
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