Bail denied to man who fled to Canada after duping banks

New Delhi, June 7 (IANS) A Delhi court has denied bail to a man who allegedly absconded with his family and spent over 15 years in Canada after cheating the banks to the tune of nearly Rs 9 crore, on which the Central Bureau of Intelligence (CBI) arrested him and his mother later.

Special Judge Anil Antil of Rouse Avenue Court noted that the accused Ankur Aggarwal along with his family had absconded and concealed himself for about 15 years in Canada and even after coming to India, he remained elusive for about three years or so.

"The allegations against the applicant are serious in nature, alleged to be involved in economic fraud to the tune of Rs 8-9 crore, causing loss to the government banks and had absconded thereafter," read the order dated June 6.

Refusing to grant the bail moved on medical grounds by the accused, the court said: "There is nothing in the medical report to suggest that any ailments are serious or life-threatening, or which requires immediate urgent medical intervention."

The judge further said that heavy-worded medical terminology has been used, however, on analysing and reading the said words carefully, it appears that all the ailments cited are of general in nature, and can well be taken care of by regular and proper treatment, from any of the government empanelled hospitals.

During the course of the hearing, the counsel appeared for the accused and argued on the points that the trial court has failed to appreciate the fact that neither before the High Court nor before the Sessions Court any medical ground was raised by the accused at the time of seeking regular bail, nor any such ground was pressed to plead for interim bail.

On the other hand, the Public Prosecutor submitted that the accused was earlier declared Proclaimed Offender and he had absconded to Canada immediately prior to the registration of the FIRs, and with great difficulty after a passage of almost 15 years, he was apprehended in the present matters.

Further, highlighting his dubious conduct, the Public Prosecutor said there is every likelihood that if he is admitted to interim bail on medical grounds, he will flee from justice or tamper with the evidence or influence the prosecution witnesses.