Telgi sinking, wants to confess

NEW DELHI: Abdul Karim Telgi, prime accused in the multi-crore stamp paper scam, is sinking. Anxious to get everything off his chest before it's too late, the 'kingpin' of the scam is furiously penning his confession, including the names of the high and mighty who are allegedly involved in the swindle. According to CBI sources, Telgi, who told his lawyers from Pune's Yeravada Jail about his plan to confess, is serious about making a statement before the Special Court under Section 164 of CrPC.They say that he has already written part of the statement which may embarrass senior politicians and officials allegedly involved in the scandal. "I am fed up of life," Telgi wrote on March 14 to one of his lawyers, Abdul Rehman. "That is why I am planning to give confessional statement...My health is deteriorating day by day. My CD-4-counts are lowest i.e 283. I don't know how many days I will survive. I myself don't feel like living. I feel guilty. I don't know what to do. My wife is also serious, she is on last stage (sic)." Sources in CBI said during interrogation, Telgi has clearly indicated his desire to "tell his entire story." Asked what was holding him back, the sources said Telgi was perhaps looking... ... for "a good lawyer." At present, he has a number of lawyers, including Abdul Rehman to whom his letters from jail are addressed. Rehman, contrary to earlier indications, continues to represent Telgi in some of the cases. Telgi, as is known, is HIV positive. In addition to that, his lawyers have submitted to the court medical reports confirming that he has diabetes, heart problems, nervous disorders, vision problems and is currently suffering from giddiness, weakness and weight loss. A confession cannot earn Telgi the approver status. Nor can it be read against those whom he might name as his accomplices but who are not being tried along with him. Yet, it may cause severe embarrassment to politicians and bureaucrats accused of involvement in the scam. CBI, for its part, is eagerly awaiting the bombshell. "It will help us. It will make our task easier if he does it before the filing of the chargesheet," sources said.