Witnesses denied anticipatory bail

Vadodara: The sessions court denied anticipatory bail to two persons, who had signed as witnesses on the forged power of attorney, which was used to usurp property of NRI woma Lopa Dave, on Wednesday.
Accused Bashir Ahmed Dewan and Ayub Ali Malek sought anticipatory bail on the grounds that they had merely signed the power of attorney as witnesses and have neither executed any forged documents nor given given any false identities. The duo claimed that they are not involved in the crime and since nothing is to be recovered from them, their custodial interrogation is not necessary.

However, their bail applications were opposed by police through an affidavit. Police informed the court that the duo were paid a large sum for signing as witnesses on the forged documents therefore their custodial interrogation is necessary.

Assistant public prosecutor Ramesh Gianchandani too opposed their application arguing that the duo signed on the forged documents on saying of other accused Dilip Patel or the notary Nur Mohammed Vohra which makes it evident that they do not know the original owner of the property Ramanlal Patel. It was also argued that the duo participated in the conspiracy by joining hands with the accused which makes them accused in the case.

The court upheld the arguments and denied anticipatory bail to Dewan and Malek.