Agusta case: Will rather complete sentence, leave India, says Michel James

Appearing before Special Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal, Michel, who has been granted bail in both the CBI and ED cases against him, refused to accept his release, calling Delhi “just a larger prison.” He told the court that his family could not visit him and that he feared for his safety outside Tihar Jail. “My security is at risk. I would rather complete my sentence and leave the country,” he said.

The judge acknowledged the recent legal developments in Michel’s favour, remarking, “God has been kind to you in the last two months. You have got bail in both cases.” However, Michel remained firm in his decision, insisting that accepting bail was unsafe. “Every time I step out of Tihar, something happens,” he said, without elaborating on what he meant.

Michel also raised concerns about the surety bond requirement, questioning how someone imprisoned for six years could provide local sureties. The judge suggested that he could find a safe house in Delhi, but Michel responded by hinting at an incident he claimed to have experienced at AIIMS. “The problem I have is with the police. I would rather talk to you in private,” he said.

Following his request, the judge asked the media and police personnel to leave the courtroom so he could hear Michel’s concerns privately. Later in the evening, the court issued bail conditions, including a requirement for Michel to mark his attendance before investigating officers once every 15 days, provide his contact details and refrain from leaving the country without permission. He was also directed not to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses and was prohibited from discussing the case with the media or in any public forum. Additionally, he must furnish a personal bond and surety of Rs 10 lakh in both cases and surrender his passport.

Michel was extradited from Dubai in December 2018 and arrested by both the CBI and ED. He is one of three alleged middlemen in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal scam, along with Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. The Indian agencies have accused him of facilitating kickbacks to secure the contract.

His refusal to accept bail despite legal relief raises new questions about his security concerns, the circumstances surrounding his imprisonment and his legal strategy moving forward.