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Special court rejects Indian Bank clerk’s discharge plea in DA case
A special CBI court in Mumbai on Tuesday rejected the discharge plea of Indian Bank clerk Ashalatha Shetty, wife of former PNB deputy manager Gokulnath Shetty, in a disproportionate assets case. Special…
A special CBI court in Mumbai on Tuesday rejected the discharge plea of Indian Bank clerk Ashalatha Shetty, wife of former PNB deputy manager Gokulnath Shetty, in a disproportionate assets case. Special Judge S K Karhale held there was sufficient material to frame charges against her under the Prevention of Corruption Act and for abetment under the Indian Penal Code.
The CBI alleged the couple acquired movable and immovable assets worth about Rs 4.28 crore disproportionate to known income between April 2011 and May 2017. While Ashalatha's approximate income was Rs 48 lakh, properties worth over Rs 88 lakh were purchased. The court noted payments of Rs 15.78 lakh, Rs 11 lakh and Rs 3.01 crore were made for flats in Panvel, Thane and Malad.
Defence argued the flats were later cancelled and she did not have to declare properties as a clerk. The court rejected these submissions, saying the charge sheet prima facie showed the couple purchased assets in joint names. Charges will now be framed against both accused.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The CBI's anti-corruption branch investigates disproportionate assets cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, which requires public servants to file annual property returns. Ashalatha Shetty's position as an Indian Bank clerk made her a public servant even though her husband was the main accused. The check period from 2011 to 2017 saw the couple's alleged assets far exceeding income. The special court will now frame charges, and the trial will determine if the flats' cancellations amount to non-acquisition. If convicted, the couple faces imprisonment under the PC Act. The next hearing is expected in the special CBI court in Mumbai.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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