Court denies bail to woman director

A Delhi court on Saturday denied bail to a woman director of two Dubai-based firms, arrested in connection with its probe in the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP chopper money laundering case and sent her to judicial custody.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar sent Shivani Saxena, a director of Ms UHY Saxena and M/s Matrix Holdings, both located in Dubai, to judicial custody till August 10 after her ED custody expired today.

Advocate N K Matta, appearing for the ED, submitted that she was not required for further custodial interrogation.

Thereafter, a bail application was moved by senior advocate Mohit Mathur, appearing for the accused, claiming that since she was not required for further ED custody, she should

be granted bail.

The plea also claimed that the health condition of the accused was not good and a lenient view should be taken as she was a woman.

The ED, however, claimed that the probe was at a very crucial stage and if granted the bail, she may tamper with the evidence.

"Economic offences are even more dangerous than murder. There are serious allegations against her," Matta said. The court had on July 26 granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) three days to interrogate her after the agency had submitted that she was required to be confronted with various incriminating documents to ascertain the proceeds of the crime and the money trail.