Vectra Group Chief Ravinder Rishi, facing a CBI probe for alleged irregularities in the supply of all-terrain Tatra trucks, has been denied permission to go abroad for business purposes and treatment by a Delhi court which said there is an “apprehension” that he may not return.
Special CBI Judge Ravinder Kaur dismissed Rishi’s plea for permission to travel abroad for four weeks.
57-year-old Rishi, a British national, is facing a CBI probe over alleged irregularities in the supply of Tatra trucks to public sector Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) by his firm Tatra-Sipox UK.
“As observed by my predecessor (judge) dated October 17, 2012, there is strong apprehension that accused (Rishi) may not return to India once granted permission to go abroad, to participate in further investigation or to face trial and his presence cannot be ensured without wasting lot of time and efforts before the investigating agency or before the court,” the court said.
“I find no ground to allow the application of accused (Rishi) seeking permission to travel abroad and for suspension and/or withdrawal of the look-out circular dated March 31, 2012, during the period of such travel. Thus, the same is dismissed,” the judge said.
Earlier on October 17 last year, a court had dismissed a similar plea by Rishi.
Rishi had sought permission to travel abroad, including the UK, saying that he was required personally to meet customers, clients, employees and bankers abroad for business purposes and also that he needed to undergo treatment for his ailments.
He told the court that he was suffering from liver ailment and as there is no treatment for the disease in India, he is required to go abroad to seek personal consultation with the doctor.