CBI seeks Atala's custody

PTI, PANAJI | 10 September 2011 18:23 IST

CBI on Friday sought custody of Israeli drug kingpin Yaniv Benaim alias Atala, who was recently brought to Panaji from Peru.

Atala, a main link in the policemen-politician-drug peddler nexus case, was remanded to judicial custody on August 27 by Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic

Substances court in Panaji, after he was brought from Peru by CBI.

CBI, which has interrogated the fugitive once in the judicial lock-up, has asked for his custody stating that it wants to get more details from him about the nexus.

NDPS court on Friday heard the arguments by CBI’s special prosecutor S R Rivonkar and adjourned the case till Tuesday. CBI officials said that Atala is a hardened criminal and it would require much more time to interrogate him.

The accused, who was caught on tape bragging about his links with the policemen, has not disclosed much information to CBI, which has taken over the case from State Police.

The federal agency has sent Atala’s laptop and mobile for scientific investigation to see whether any further leads could be achieved.

Officials said that the fugitive was carrying 11,000 euros and USD 3,000 on him when he was intercepted by Interpol at an airport in Peru, adding that he possibly wanted to cross over to Columbia, which is considered a drug haven.

Authorities at the airport intercepted him because there was a red corner notice issued against him.

The Israeli, who was arrested in Goa earlier had jumped the bail in August last year and fled, but was arrested in Peru in January this year.


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