Jayalalithaa case: Anbazhagan queries trial by new SPP

Files two applications – one for adjourning the trial and another for re-examining original investigating officer – before the Special Court in Bangalore

August 24, 2013 12:43 pm | Updated November 16, 2021 09:52 pm IST - Bangalore:

In the disproportionate assets case against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, DMK general secretary K. Anbazhagan on Friday filed two applications – one for adjourning the trial and another for re-examining original investigating officer – before the Special Court in Bangalore,

He also filed a writ petition before the Karnataka High Court on Friday questioning the appointment of new Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) G. Bhavani Singh.

In his first application, Mr. Anbazhagan, who was permitted by the special court on August 21 to assist the SPP, sought adjournment of the arguments as he had challenged the appointment of Mr. Singh before the High Court.

It was also stated in the application that he had already made a separate application for the certified copies of defence and prosecution evidences, and marked exhibits but the special court was yet to supply these documents without which he would not be able to file his written arguments as permitted by the special court.

In another application, he has alleged that the SPP allowed examination of present investigating officer (in charge), Mr. Sambandam, as a “defence witness” and “allowed to mark documents in favour of the accused persons.”

“It is a mockery of a criminal trial against a highly placed public servant that an officer in charge of the prosecution himself is examined as a defence witness against the interest of the very prosecution he is involved in.” The application alleged that the SPP besides failing to oppose examination of Mr. Sambandam as a defence witness had also not cross-examined him later. “The SPP very strangely not only failed to oppose the marking of photocopies of documents but also did not conduct cross examination of the said witness [Mr. Sambandam] and allowed his testimony to go unchallenged.” Pointing out that it was one Nallamma Naidu, who investigated the case and filed charge sheet, Mr. Anbazhagan has requested the special court to recall Mr. Naidu for re-examination and for seeking clarification of testimony of Mr. Sambandam.

M.S. Balakrishna, Judge of the Special Court, has posted applications to August 27 for hearing while asking the accused and the SPP to file their responses.

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