IPL scam: Goenka was not forced to name Raj Kundra, court told

New Delhi - Delhi Police Friday refuted the allegations of Umesh Goenka, a friend of Raj Kundra, that he was forced to name the IPL Rajasthan Royals team owner in the cricket betting case to save himself from torture.

Filing an interim reply before Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Kumar Jain, Joint Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) M.M. Oberoi said the allegations levelled by Goenka in his plea are prima facie false.

Police stated that they require further corroboration and sought time to submit a comprehensive reply.

The court posted the matter for July 2 for further arguments on the application.

The court on June 12 had directed police to file a reply after Goenka approached court, alleging that he was forced to name Kundra on instructions from investigators who had traumatised him and physically abused him in illegal custody for five days.

Oberoi, in his interim reply, said the allegation made by Goenka questions judicial proceedings, and therefore, he needs some time to submit his detailed reply.

“In order to submit a comprehensive reply, a request is being placed to obtain the certified copy of entire judicial process whereby this statement was recorded and as such, at this stage, this submissions may be treated as interim reply only.”

Goenka, whose statement has been recorded as a witness in the case, in his application said: “Due to threats, torture and extreme fear of consequences on refusing to comply with the dictates of police, I made the statement before the magistrate. It was not made voluntarily and was given under duress on directions of police.”

His application has said: “That under duress, fear and to save myself from further physical torture, I agreed to name Kundra as per the wishes of the police personnel.”