Raipur
The Chhattisgarh High Court, while addressing the bail plea of former IAS Anil Tuteja, accused in a high-profile economic offence, made significant observations regarding the nature and impact of economic crimes and rejected the bail application based on the nature of the offences, evidence suggesting deep involvement in economic crimes, and the potential risks associated with granting bail, such as witness tampering and flight risks. Economic offences, being a grave threat to societal and financial structures, necessitate a cautious approach to bail, observed High Court Single Bench Judge Justice Arvind Kumar Verma on Wednesday.
The applicant faces charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with allegations of heading a criminal syndicate involving government officials, private individuals, and political executives in a liquor scam. This syndicate is alleged to have caused a financial loss of Rs 1,660 crores to the State exchequer.
The applicant faces charges under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B of the IPC and Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Allegations include participation in a criminal syndicate led by co-accused Anwar Dhebar, involving high-level state officials and others, extorting illegal commissions from liquor sales, and unauthorised sale of unaccounted liquor through government shops.
The applicant altered state liquor policy for personal benefit, causing an estimated loss of Rs 1660.41 crore to the state exchequer.
Evidence suggested the applicant played a pivotal role in facilitating bribes and misusing their position for unlawful gains, the court said.
The offences are categorized as grave economic offences, with significant implications for the state’s financial health, the court noted.
Severity of the accusations include the applicant’s potential to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.
The applicant claimed medical issues, including osteoarthritis, hypertension, and anxiety. However, these were not deemed severe enough to warrant bail on parity or humanitarian grounds.
Corruption and money laundering cases registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act and PMLA.
FIRs involving forgery, cheating, and conspiracy across multiple jurisdictions.
Considering the gravity of the allegations, ongoing investigations, potential threat to witnesses, and the applicant’s criminal history, the court denied the bail application.
The applicant’s role in causing significant financial losses and their pivotal position in the alleged criminal syndicate were critical factors in the denial.
