SPP dropped in BMW case after TV expose, HC takes cognisance

NEW DELHI: The sensational TV expose of an alleged collusion between the prosecution and the defence in the high profile BMW case claimed its first victim on Thursday with I U Khan dropped as public prosecutor even as the Delhi High Court took cognisance describing the matter as a "serious issue."

Additional Sessions Judge Vinod Kumar trying the BMW case meanwhile summoned Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) to conduct an inquiry following the sting operation conducted by NDTV.

The High Court taking suo motu cognisance said, "The video recording done by NDTV is a serious issue concerning the administration of criminal justice system. It is in the fitness of things and interest of justice that true facts be brought at the earliest".

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A K Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Khanna directed the High Court Registrar General to collect all the records of the case including the Compact Discs and file a report before the court by June 11.

Sessions Judge Vinod Kumar also summoned for tomorrow NDTV Managing Editor  and the reporters who carried out the sting operations and asked them to bring un-edited copies and other related documents.

Khan, a noted criminal lawyer, was forced to withdraw from the case after the Delhi police decided to drop him as the special public prosecutor. Khan has been replaced by senior public prosecutor Rajeev Mohan.

He also sought a probe alleging the sting was "fabricated and doctored" after saying he had been made a "fall guy" in the eight-year old case in which Sanjeev Nanda, grandson of a former Navy chief, is accused of running over and killing six persons while driving a BMW car in 1999.

Khan and senior advocate R K Anand, who is defending Sanjeev Nanda were allegedly shown influencing Sunil Kulkarni, a key eye witness in the case.

The police officials are also examining the veracity of the tapes aired by the network.

Khan said he had not done nothing wrong.

"I have not done anything wrong, morally, socially or legally which will enable them to initiate any action against me."

Khan was dropped as SPP after the Delhi Police made a recommendation in this regard to the Delhi government.

The trial court which was to continue with the cross-examination of Sunil Kulkarni, the Mumbai-based eye witness, who played pivotal role in the sting operation, posted the proceedings for Friday.