RETURN OF SAXENA

Translation holds up Saxena fraud case

By The Nation
Published on November 5, 2009

Public prosecutors have asked for a complete translation of a police investigation report on the case against Indian fraud suspect Rakesh Saxena. The additional translation will likely take a few days.

Saxena is accused of embezzling a huge amount of money from the now-defunct Bangkok Bank of Commerce in 1996. He was extradited from Canada last week.

Department of Economic Crime Litigation chief prosecutor Seksan Bangsomboon said police had been asked to provide the additional translation of the questioning of Saxena during the past several days.

Seksan chairs a panel of public prosecutors reviewing the investigation report against Saxena which will decide on the prosecution orders.

After looking at the report, the panel ruled police must inform Saxena of his rights in line with Article 134 of the Criminal Procedural Code --- notification not yet complete because Saxena arrived Thailand just days ago.

Saxena has now been detained at the Bangkok Remand Prison. He is monitored through closed-circuit security cameras around the clock.

A source said the Indian suspect, who had partial paralysis, was starting to adjust himself with his new surroundings well. "He looks fresher and sometimes chats with inmates and officials," the source added.

Corrections Department director general Chatchai Sutthiklom said Saxena did not make any special request. Only close relatives will be allowed to visit him during his detention.

"Only one visit will be allowed in a day and each visit will last no longer than 20 minutes," Chatchai said.

However, he said lawyers could visit the suspect for counselling anytime during the day without any time constraint.

"But this will also depend on whether Saxena is willing to meet any visitors," Chatchai added.