SC wants an explanation on sound of silence

Taking serious note of the CBI concealing the information on detention of the controversial Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, accused in the Rs 64-crore Bofors payoff case, the Supreme Court on Monday sought an explanation from the concerned authorities.

“It is a serious matter and we hope the government is also viewing it seriously,” a bench headed by Justice C K Thakker observed while directing the centre to file its reply and status report on the matter within a week.

The court passed the direction after hearing an application moved by advocate Ajay K Agrawal. Relying on a newspaper report, the application alleged that the CBI had information about Quattrocchi’s detention on February 8, but didn’t reveal it to the apex court when a matter related to him came up for hearing on February 12, which amounted to contempt of court.

“Shockingly, on February 12, the CBI maintained a discreet silence. This stand of the CBI was definitely contrary to the repeated stereotype status report being filed before the trial court. CBI has been all through assuring the trial court that efforts were being made to secure Quattrocchi’s presence,” said the application.

A case is pending against Quattrocchi in a trial court in the capital. The court also sought a status report from the CBI on the steps taken for his extradition since his detention.

Mr Agrawal submitted that though Quattrocchi was detained at Iguazu International airport in Buenos Aires on February 6 on the basis of a Red Corner Notice issued by Interpol at the behest of the CBI, the investigating agency avoided any steps to seek his extradition.

The application has sought direction for the immediate extradition of Quattrocchi before the time limit for such an extradition ended. The request for extradition from Argentina has to be made within one month from the date of detention — which will expire on March 7, said the application.

However, additional solicitor general Gopal Subramaniam, who appeared on behalf of the CBI, said a special team was being sent to Buenos Aires on February 28 to seek Quattrocchi’s custody.