American held at IGI airport gets bail

A 27-year-old American businessman arrested at the IGI airport for possessing 23 live cartridges has been granted bail by a Delhi court saying investigation has showed that his act was not 'deliberate or intentional'.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sameer Bajpai allowed the bail plea of Jeffrey Jinnin Worn, working as vice president with Pecan Company in South Georgia, observing that accused is of young age and has a good background.

'According to investigating officer (IO) the recovered cartridges have already been sent to CFSL for examination. The record as produced by the defence counsel shows that accused (Worn) is well qualified having degree in business management and working as vice president in South Georgia, Pecan company.

'Record further shows that Worn came to India being a member of a business delegation. It appears from record that his act was not deliberate or intentional,' the court said, while directing Worn not to leave the country till filing of the charge sheet in the case.

Worn was arrested at IGI airport here on 26 May, while he was about to board a Turkish Airlines flight.

'During security check at the time of boarding, some suspicious items were found in Worn's baggage. It was found that 23 live cartridges were in the bag. He admitted that the cartridges were his,' the police said.

Enlarging worn on bail, the court said, 'Considering the fact that accused (Worn) is just 27 years of age and has a good background, I do not deem it appropriate to keep him in further custody. Accordingly, Worn is admitted to bail on furnishing of personal bond in the sum of Rs 20,000 with one surety in the like amount,' the court said.