In a significant development, the Rouse Avenue Court has acquitted Congress leaders Jagdish Tytler and Abhishek Verma in the high-profile CBI case related to Chinese visa fraud. The case centered on allegations that both leaders had written a letter to then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, requesting a relaxation of visa rules for officials of a Chinese telecom company.
Alleged Forgery and Criminal Conspiracy
The CBI charged Tytler and Verma under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, including forgery, fraud, and criminal conspiracy. According to the accusations, Tytler and Verma allegedly used a fake letterhead of then-Minister of State for Home Ajay Maken to write a letter to the Prime Minister, seeking eased visa restrictions for the Chinese telecom officials.
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The prosecution argued that this act constituted a serious breach, especially involving foreign nationals from a prominent Chinese company.
Background of the CBI Investigation
The case began after the CBI registered an FIR in 2022, following a two-year investigation that led to the filing of an accused sheet. The investigation revealed that Punjab-based TSPL was constructing a 1980 MW thermal power plant, assigning the project to Shandong Electric Power Construction Corp., a Chinese company. However, due to delays in the project’s progress, the company risked facing financial penalties, allegedly prompting them to seek assistance from Tytler and Verma.
Court Verdict Brings Relief
The court’s decision to acquit Tytler and Verma brings substantial relief to both leaders, concluding this chapter of the legal proceedings. Following the verdict, the Congress party and the defendants have welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing their stance that the allegations lacked sufficient evidence.
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