From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jun 16: Bombay High Court at Panaji has allowed Lyndon Monteiro, close aide of fugitive former tourism minister Fransisco to withdraw his anticipatory bail petition after he was asked to remain present.

Justice U D Salvi in the order passed on Tuesday said that the prosecution has no objection to Monteiro withdrawing his anticipatory bail application and it should be allowed to be withdrawn.

The court on Monday had ruled that the applicant has to be personally present in the court when matter would be heard next on June 17. The state had also raised objection that the anticipatory bail was filed by Monteiro’s mother, Elvina, which should not be allowed.

Monteiro and Pacheco are wanted in connection with death of Nadia Torrado, 28. The woman had died allegedly after consuming rat poison on May 30.

Atmaram Nadkarni, representing Monteiro, today said that Monteiro was made accused after he disappeared.

“When he is missing and his anticipatory bail was rejected by sessions court, overnight he becomes an accused? How this is permissible under law?,” the lawyer questioned.

He said that seeking Monteiro’s presence when he has applied for anticipatory bail nullifies the very base of asking for anticipatory bail.

The court allowing the withdrawal of anticipatory bail petition pointed out that public prosecutor Carlose Fereira had already submitted that the application was not maintainable as it is filed by applicant’s mother.