HC reduces Telgi`s sentence in one of the stamp scam cases

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Friday reduced scamster Abdul Karim Telgi`s sentence of ten years` imprisonment to seven years in one of the cases for selling fake government stamps.

The Court, hearing an appeal, set aside Telgi`s conviction for "counterfeiting government stamp" (section 255 of IPC), changing it to conviction for general conspiracy, cheating, and forgery. As a result, the sentence was reduced. Justice RC Chavan, however, upheld Telgi`s conviction under section 468 (forgery for cheating), and sentenced him three years` rigorous imprisonment and Rs 20,000 fine. The HC also upheld conviction for cheating, awarding Telgi another 3 year RI term. All the sentences would run concurrently. Telgi`s associate Sanjay Gaikwad was acquitted by the HC, saying there was absolutely no evidence. The judge, however, upheld the conviction of another aide, Ramratan Soni. "Conviction of appellant Soni under Section 256 IPC (possession of counterfeit government stamps) is altered to that for the offence punishable under Section 473 (making or possessing counterfeit seal with intention to commit forgery), without disturbing the sentence of seven years` RI with a fine of Rs 10,000...," judge ruled. PTI