The Rouse Avenue court has issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate in response to the bail plea of Anubrata Mondal, an accused in the cattle smuggling case.
Mondal was previously granted bail by the Supreme Court in a related CBI case.
On September 4, Special CBI Judge Jyot Kler asked the ED to submit its response to the bail application, with the next hearing scheduled for September 11. The bail petition was filed by advocates Mustafa and Ahmad Ibrahim on behalf of Mondal.
According to the plea, Mondal has been in custody for nearly two years, having been arrested on November 17, 2022. The defense argued that the trial is unlikely to begin soon, as the prosecution has delayed proceedings by failing to provide all necessary documents, making it difficult for the defense to prepare for the case. The plea also highlighted the challenge of conducting a lengthy trial, given that 85 witnesses have been listed, which could further prolong the process.
The defense emphasized Mondal’s deteriorating health, stating that at 65 years old, he suffers from various age-related ailments, including radiculopathy and severe pain in his lower limbs, making mobility difficult. He was advised to undergo an MRI, but due to his claustrophobia and history of panic attacks, it could not be done at the available facility. Additionally, Mondal recently experienced chest pain and was advised to undergo a cardio angiography, which could not proceed without a family member present to assist.
Given his current health condition and need for constant medical attention, the defense is seeking bail for Mondal.
