india

Updated: May 14, 2019 08:17 IST

A Delhi court on Monday found a complaint by Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, that he has lost 16 kilogram, to be “incorrect” after Tihar Jail doctors submitted that he has lost only 1.1 kg since March.

Michel’s counsel submitted that he may have lost 16 kg since December when he was arrested. To this, Tihar Jail doctors said that “if he weighed 16 kg more earlier, then he was unhealthy at time” and “the height and weight as of today, is the healthiest”.

During the day’s proceeding Michel’s counsel Aljo K Joseph also sought that Michel be served with boiled eggs. Jail authorities informed the court that there are over 2,000 prisoners in the jail out of which around 1,500 are likely to be non-vegetarians, arguing that it could not discriminate between inmates.

The jail doctor submitted that “he (Michel) does not need it, but if he wants it then...”

“He wants it, my lord, that is what he has told me,” said Michel’s counsel and seeking special directions from the court. The judge Arvind Kumar declined and said he could not discriminate.

Michel, on May 9 sought “western food” and said he was being served boiled vegetables. The jail authorities countered that this is because he has a “sensitive” stomach. On being queried if he can be served a “western meal”, the officials informed the court that as per the jail ‘s menu, “nonvegetarian is strictly not allowed”. They further said that Michel is being served bread during the breakfast and that he can buy fruits and cottage cheese and cheese from the jail canteen. They offered to provide him with eggs, if needed.

The court found Michel’ submission that he was not being provided the diet recommended by the doctor to be “incorrect” and refused to pass any directions regarding his meal.

Michel had also orally complained to court about an under trial accused of murder with whom he shares space and who smokes marijuana in the jail. The plea was not addressed during the day’s proceeding.

Michel in April had also moved a plea for bail to celebrate Easter, which the court rejected.

In March, HT reported that Michel demanded European breakfast and complained of inmates defecating in the open and of him having to do it, too.

CBI has accused Michel of bribing various government officials to secure the chopper deal for Agusta in 2010. Michel has denied the accusation.