BREAKING| Bombay High Court Grants Interim Anticipatory Bail To BJP Leader Kirit Somaiya In INS Vikrant Cheating Case

During the hearing, Mundargi argued that the complaint was filed belatedly a day after a political leader (Sanjay Raut) alleged Rs. 57 crore was misappropriated.

Mundargi stated that the amount mentioned in the politician's (SanjayRaut) interview was also reflected in the FIR of April 7, 2022. He said that the service man was aware the ship was scarpped due to lack of funds in 2014.

"All throughout interviews are being given that Rs. 57 crores have been swindled and that they will be lodged in prison. The amount of Rs 57 crores was neither reflected in the FIR, nor in the Sessions court's arguments," Mundargi said.

He said that based on one tweet by Somaiya's regarding Mumbaikars willingness to donate Rs 140 crores, the trial judge refused anticipatory bail.

Mundargi further argued that Somaiya was a sitting MP at the time, implying that there was no reason for him not to deposit the amount collected.

"Was the money deposited," the judge asked to which Mundargi said "there was no response from the Governor's office. It must have been deposited somewhere."

"This is public money. He and his son stood on the road.. Rs. 11k is just the tip of the iceberg," Senior Advocate Shirish Gupte said. He however, couldn't explain the inflated amount of Rs. 57 crores stating that the accused were not cooperating with the investigation.

However, considering the delay and vague allegations in the FIR, the court granted interim relief.