Gutkah barons not named in charge sheet

Police on Monday filed a charge sheet against Anees Ibrahim, brother of Pakistan-based mafia don Dawood Ibrahim, and three others in a case alleging gutkha barons' links with the underworld.

However, the charge sheet omitted the names of gutkha barons Rasiklal Dhariwal and J M Joshi, who have been issued non-bailable warrants in the case.

Anees Ibrahim, Jamruddin alias Jumbo, Rajesh Panchariya and Farooq Mansoori have been charge-sheeted under the Indian Penal Code and Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act for aiding and abetting activities of the underworld, indulging in criminal conspiracy and maintaining links with members of organised crime syndicate.

Anees and Farooq are absconding. The other two accused are in police custody.

Also Read Non-bailable warrant against gutkha kings Manikchand owner denies underworld link Secrecy shrouds probe into gutkha kings' case

In response to the warrants issued by the court, the Interpol issued Red Corner notices against Dhariwal and Joshi, who are reportedly abroad on business assignments, police sources added.

Joshi on Monday pleaded in the Mumbai court to cancel his non-bailable warrant and stated he would appear before the court on returning to India. The matter has been adjourned till January 27.

Dhariwal's lawyer Rajendra Shirodkar asked for a copy of the charge sheet, but the court refused it as he is not an accused at this stage.

Later, Shirodkar told reporters that he would also move the court for cancellation of Dhariwal's warrant.

Also read:

Interview with Dhariwal

Maharashtra bid to ban gutkha opposed