Tytler, Verma on trial in forgery case

Besides invoking various sections of the IPC against the duo, Special CBI judge also framed charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act

New Delhi: A Delhi court yesterday put on trial Congress leader Jagdish Tytler and controversial arms dealer Abhishek Verma after framing charges against them for allegedly writing a forged letter addressed to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2009.

After charges were framed against Tytler, he pleaded not guilty and claimed trial before the court, which posted the matter for March 8 next year for recording of prosecution evidence

Special CBI judge Anju Bajaj Chandna put Tytler and Verma on trial after framing charges for the alleged offences punishable under various sections of IPC, including 420 (cheating), 471 (fraudulently or dishonestly using as genuine any forged document or electronic record) and 120 B (criminal conspiracy). Charges were also framed under a provision of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act.

Verma, who is in judicial custody in various cases lodged against him, was put on trial for alleged offences under Sections 120-B read with 420, 471, 511 of the IPC and Section 8 of the PC Act.

The court said prima facie, both the accused had tried to cheat the officials of ZTE Telecom India Pvt Ltd on the basis of forged letter and Verma had demanded bribe of R50 lakh to sort out the visa issue of their employees.

After framing of charges against them, both Tytler and Verma pleaded not guilty and claimed trial before the court, which posted the matter for March 8 next year for recording of prosecution evidence. During the arguments earlier, both the accused had denied the allegations levelled against them by CBI.

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