CBI frames charges against 49 accused

Kolkata: The charge framing process in the coal smuggling case that was being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was done on Tuesday at the Special CBI Court in Asansol against 49 accused persons.

Bikash Mishra, one of the accused in the coal smuggling case, who is in judicial custody in connection with a POCSO Act case, was present at the hearing virtually.

CBI in its chargesheet had mentioned a total of 50 names as accused, including Bikash’s brother, Binay Mishra who is absconding. As he was not present, the charges were not framed against him.

Bikash was arrested by the Kolkata Police on November 24 in connection with a case of POCSO Act.

The hearing of charge framing was scheduled on November 25. As he was not present that day, the charge framing process

was postponed.

On November 25, Asansol Special CBI Court Judge Rajesh Chakraborty had rescheduled the charge framing date to December 10 and had directed the

competent authority to ensure Bikash’s presence.

Accordingly, Bikash was present at the hearing virtually from the Presidency Correctional Home.