india

Updated: May 10, 2019 00:06 IST

Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the scrapped AgustaWestland helicopter deal, on Thursday complained to a court in Delhi about the quality of food he was getting in Tihar jail, the weight loss he has suffered and about a murder suspect who smokes cannabis being his cell mate. Michel sought western food in jail and permission to go to church. Michel, 58, complained to the special CBI court that he was being given only boiled vegetables and has lost 16 kilograms since December 4 when he was extradited to India from Dubai. “Western food may be directed,” Michel’s lawyer, Aljo K Joseph, told the court. Joseph insisted it was indeed possible when judge Arvind Kumar responded that he will see if it was so. “They [Tihar jail authorities] have bread, cheese, and onion,” said Joseph. Michel told the court that the jail doctor directed the prison authorities to offer him food other than dal, roti, and chawal more than once.

The court sought a response from the jail authorities and the doctor in response to Michel’s complaints and requests. It listed the matter for hearing again on Friday. Michel also complained he shared his prison with the murder accused, who smokes cannabis. “They have put a gentleman with me, who is accused of murder. In the confinement area, we spend our time together,” said Michel. “He might be a reformed person,” the judge said. He added Michel cannot be put in jail with only white-collar criminals. “He [the murder accused] smokes ganja,’’ Joseph responded. Michel requested the court to allow him to go to church and meet the pastor who comes to jail every Sunday. “We had given a letter seeking permission and the jail superintendent has approved it.