Be it the chirpy weather or the crispy masala dosas or the familial proximity, Abdul Karim Telgi loves being in Bengaluru. The prime accused in the multi-crore fake stamp paper racket is back in Bengaluru from Yerwada prison in Pune, where he was taken three years ago. It was accused then that he was treated like a VIP in the city jail.
Telgi's case was heard at a special court through a video-conferencing unit on Monday. Citing security reasons, he was not produced before the court. Telgi, who is lodged at the central jail, told rediff.com through his lawyer that it is a homecoming for him.
Over to Telgi:
I feel safe here as the security is tight. I have been given a special cell and there is no problem. Coming back to this city was my biggest dream. It is like a second home to me and I am very happy to be here. It is not because I am more comfortable in this jail, but the fact that my wife and daughter are closer to me makes me more happy. I have been telling the investigating agencies that my wife is ailing and I can meet her every day if I am lodged in Bengaluru. Moreover, my daughter wants to study further and I need to be around her to advise her.
I know that I don't have any freedom, but the weather in Bangalore suits me. I am not well and the heat in Pune was taking its toll. There is nothing like Bengaluru weather. The food in Pune, too, was bad. The food here is my favourite. I am particularly fond of the masala dosas which we get here.
There are over 12 cases pending against me in Karnataka and I hope that justice will be done soon. However, I won't say anything on the case as it is sub-judice.
People say that I have been protecting several people in the case and they keep expecting me to confess. Let me make this clear. I have nothing to confess. Everything is an open chapter and let the law take its course. To be very frank, I seriously have nothing to confess.
The movie Mudrank, which is said to be based on my life, should not be made. It will lead to unnecessary problems for me. More importantly, it will create a prejudiced approach to my cases. I will continue to oppose it. The film-makers had not consulted me before they began to shoot.
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