The Bombay High Court on Thursday extended interim protection from arrest to former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya and his son Neil Somaiya till June 14 in a case of alleged misappropriation of public funds collected for the restoration of decommissioned Indian naval aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
Justice Anuja Prabhudessai, on April 13, had granted interim protection from arrest to Somaiyas. The HC said that in the event of their arrest, they are to be released on a surety of Rs 50,000 each. The HC had observed then that the complaint registered in the case by an ex-Army person seemed “vague” and based solely on media reports.
On Thursday, Shirish Gupte, counsel for Maharashtra government, said that Somaiyas have been cooperating with the investigation. However, he said that the investigating officer needs to “interrogate them at least for three more days”.
To this, Ashok Mundargi, counsel for Somaiyas, said that the duo would report to the police “whenever called” (for questioning).
While recording Mundargi’s statement, Justice Prabhudessai said the interim relief granted to both applicants will be extended till June 14, the next date of hearing in the case.
As per the complaint, Kirit Somaiya and some others had collected over Rs 57 crore for the restoration of the decommissioned INS Vikrant. However, instead of depositing the amount to the Maharashtra governor's secretary office, the BJP leader allegedly misappropriated the funds.
