NEW DELHI, June 11: Delhi Police was today directed to conduct thorough probe into the alleged fake degree case involving Jitender Singh Tomar by a court here which refused to grant interim bail to the AAP leader saying any immediate relief to him will further “complicate” the matter.
The court’s observation came while hearing the bail plea filed by Tomar, former Delhi Law Minister, who was arrested on June 9 and was remanded to four-day police custody.
Additional Sessions Judge Sanjeev Jain asked the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), who was present in the court, about the progress of probe into the case and directed him to ensure that a thorough probe is conducted.
“There are hundreds of records in a university regarding a student like admission register, fees slips, class room records, class teacher records. You should ascertain every records and do a thorough probe by looking into all aspects,” the judge told the DCP.
The court also asked the police to place on record every detail of the case which would surface during its probe to ensure a fair trial.
During the hearing, special public prosecutor Tarunvir Singh Kehar submitted that records pertaining to the matter were with the investigating officer (IO) who has taken Tomar to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to ascertain the key facts from the educational institutions allegedly attended by the accused.
He requested for deferment of the hearing on bail plea till the completion of police remand of Tomar.
Senior advocate Ramesh Gupta, representing Tomar, argued that police is supposed to have a copy of case diary as per provisions of law and if any deferment of hearing was given then interim bail should be granted to the accused till the pendency of regular bail plea.
The court accepted the contention of police and deferred the hearing on bail plea saying the matter requires objective consideration of records and interim bail would further “complicate” the matter.
“Order for interim bail will further complicate the matter and the same is neither appropriate nor desirable. Keeping in view the facts and circumstances of the case, this matter requires objective consideration after going through the records.
“It is in the interest of all the parties that the bail plea is decided after considering the records on expiry of the police remand. Put up the bail application for June 16 before the vacation court of competent jurisdiction,” the court said.
A separate revision plea filed by Tomar challenging his four-day police remand was dismissed by the court which, however, granted him the liberty to file a fresh plea in this regard.
During the hour-long hearing, Gupta alleged that 40-50 policemen had abducted Tomar from his residence and he was later put under arrest.
“It was not a case of robbery, dacoity or any other heinous crime. They have violated procedures under law by not providing check list and attempt was made to tarnish his image,” Gupta said.
He said that when Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) and the High Court was seized of the matter then what was the hurry to arrest him.
The hearing in the matter witnessed heated exchange of words when special public prosecutor and some lawyers present in the court room told the judge that Gupta was also a member of the committee of BCD which is seized of the matter regarding Tomar’s educational certificates.
At the outset, Gupta objected to the remarks and said that most of the BCD members had earlier objected to issuance of notice to Tomar.
To this, the judge intervened and said, “This is an open court but no one has the permission to speak anything without my permission. Only the parties and counsel can speak. You (lawyers) all should maintain decorum of the court.”
In his plea moved before the sessions court yesterday challenging his arrest, Tomar had alleged that police arrested him in violation of the procedure prescribed under the law.
49-year-old Tomar was arrested by Delhi Police following an FIR registered on the basis of a complaint lodged by BCD for allegedly forging documents, including educational degrees, to enroll as an advocate. While seeking his custodial interrogation, the police had earlier said that Tomar’s law degree was “fabricated”.
An FIR was registered against Tomar on June 8 at Hauz Khas police station and he was booked for alleged offences of cheating, forgery, using forged documents as genuine, forgery with intent to cheat and criminal conspiracy. (PTI)
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