New Delhi, 30 October (H.S.): A Delhi court has directed the release of alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar in a corruption case, observing that he has already spent 8 years, 9 months and 14 days in judicial custody in connection with the matter, exceeding the maximum seven-year imprisonment prescribed for the offences.

Special Judge Vidya Prakash of the Rouse Avenue Court ordered that Sukesh Chandrashekhar be released forthwith in this particular case, provided he is not required in any other matter. However, the order does not mean that he will be released from prison, as he continues to face proceedings in several other criminal cases and will remain in custody if required in those matters.

During the hearing, the prosecution opposed his release, arguing that several cases were pending against him and expressing apprehension that he could influence or intimidate witnesses and interfere with the investigation and trial proceedings.

Sukesh Chandrashekhar was arrested in connection with the case in 2017. The Delhi Police subsequently filed a charge sheet against him on July 14, 2017. On November 17, 2018, the Patiala House Court framed charges against TTV Dhinakaran, Sukesh Chandrashekhar, T.P. Mallikarjun and advocate B. Kumar, among others.

Sukesh Chandrashekhar is accused of facilitating an alleged Rs 50-crore deal on behalf of Dhinakaran to secure the AIADMK’s ‘Two Leaves’ election symbol from the Election Commission of India. The Crime Branch had recovered more than Rs 1 crore from his hotel room during the investigation. Investigators also reportedly found evidence of hawala transactions amounting to around Rs 10 crore, with the money allegedly routed through Chennai, Kochi and Chandni Chowk.

Sukesh Chandrashekhar is also facing a separate case involving allegations of cheating and extortion of Rs 200 crore from Aditi Singh, the wife of former Ranbaxy promoter Shivinder Singh.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar