Christian Michel's kept with with desperate accused in VVIP chopper deal case draws Court's ire

ANI April 16, 2025 169 views

Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the VVIP chopper deal case, raised serious security concerns during a recent court hearing in Delhi. He claimed a potential poisoning attempt and highlighted the risks of being kept with a problematic inmate named Shahnawaz, who reportedly had 41 conduct complaints. The Rouse Avenue Court responded by directing the Tihar Jail superintendent to personally explain the dangerous inmate arrangement. Michel's lawyer also argued technical complexities in his extradition case, adding further uncertainty to his legal proceedings.

"I drank some of the poison they gave me in 2019, which I threw away. It is a pretty serious issue." - Christian Michel James
New Delhi, April 16: The Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday expressed displeasure over Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in the VVIP chopper deal case, being kept with a desperate accused, Shahnawaz, in Tihar Jail.

Key Points

1

Court orders jail superintendent to explain mixing dangerous inmates

2

Michel alleges poisoning attempt in 2019

3

Jail authorities file security report for Michel

4

Judge seeks comprehensive investigation into inmate safety

The court directed the Jail Superintendent to appear in person and explain the circumstances.

"Superintendent jail is directed to appear in person to explain how such a desperate accused person (Shahnawaz) was kept together with Christian Michel James," Special Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal ordered on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, jail authorities filed a report on the measures taken to secure Christian Michel James.

On April 3, the Court had asked for a detailed report from jail authorities regarding James' security after he alleged that he was "poisoned". James alleged that there was an attempt to kill him by poisoning, and he had informed the court about it earlier. However, no FIR was lodged.

During the hearing, James said, "ED had been saying that I was not in danger. I want to put on record that I drank some of the poison they gave me in 2019, which I threw away. It is a pretty serious issue."

James alleged that there was an attempt to poison him in 2019 and expressed fears for his safety.

He also alleged that Shahnawaz had amazing access to hashish. "He had hashish every single night. I reported to the court. But no action was taken and eventually he did what I thought he did," said James.

The court noted that Shahnawaz had 41 complaints regarding his conduct in jail, raising concerns about the safety and security of Christian Michel James.

During the hearing, James told the Judge that he had not been given a table fan for two months. The court sought a report on James' safety and security and directed the jail authorities to provide him with one, citing the hot weather in Delhi.

The Judge said, "The Court had already allowed this. He is still an undertrial. The superintendent must provide this fan. He is from abroad. It is 42 degrees in Delhi."

James expressed doubts about getting bail, stating that no one would be brave enough to give him surety, and his passport was still awaited.

"I don't think anyone is brave enough to give me surety. Only distant relatives can give surety," he added.

He sought permission to attend church services and highlighted the difficulties he faces in jail.

Meanwhile, his lawyer Aljo K Joseph argued that the extradition treaty between India and the UK had not been made law, which could impact his case.

He complained of pain in his legs and requested a follow-up surgery, which the court ordered to be done at the orthopaedic ward of AIIMS hospital.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This case keeps getting more concerning by the day. If the allegations about poisoning are true, it's a serious breach of jail security. Hope the court gets to the bottom of this! 🤔
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Priya M.
The jail authorities need to be held accountable. How can someone with 41 complaints be allowed near other inmates? Basic prisoner safety protocols seem to be missing here.
A
Amit S.
While I understand the concerns about his safety, we shouldn't forget Michel is an accused in a major corruption case. The focus should remain on getting justice in the chopper scam.
S
Sunita R.
The hashish access claim is shocking! If prisoners can get drugs so easily, what does that say about our jail system? 😳 This needs immediate investigation.
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Vikram J.
Respectful criticism: The article focuses heavily on Michel's complaints without enough context about the actual VVIP chopper case. Would like to see more balanced reporting.
N
Neha P.
The court ordering a fan shows basic humanity. Regardless of the charges, prisoners deserve humane treatment. Delhi summers are brutal - this shouldn't have taken 2 months to arrange!
K
Karan D.
The extradition treaty angle is interesting. This case might set important legal precedents for future international cases. Following this closely!

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Tags:
Christian Michel VVIP Chopper Scam Tihar Jail Delhi Court Extradition ED Investigation
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