The court of the Delhi Metropolitan Magistrate Mr Vikrant Vaid today issued a fresh non bailable arrest warrant (NBW) against cricketer-turned congress MP Mr Azharuddin for failing to appear in court in connection with a cheque bounce case.

The warrant is to be executed on or before March 7, as per the court directions. The court had earlier issued the first NBW for his arrest on Feb 18 to be executed by March 1 following his repeated failures to appear before the court in the case.

Azharuddin sought exemption twice from personal appearance in the court saying he was busy with congress party campaigning in UP. But the court dismissed his pleas and asked him to attend in person.
“The plea for exemption from personal appearance is dismissed as it has no merit,” the magistrate said in his order.

The case has been filed against him by a Delhi based business man Sanjay Solanki who wanted to purchase the property of Azahar and his former wife Sangeeta Bijlani. Solanki wanted to buy their Mumbai property worth Rs.4.5 Cr and paid an advance of Rs.1.5 Cr. However, Azhar refused to sell the property and agreed to return the money as per the agreement.

He first gave a cheque of Rs 1.5 crore to Solanki in 2008 but it was bounced. Second time, he gave another cheque for the same amount in 2009 but it was also bounced. Azhar then gave third cheque in 2010 which was rejected again. Solanki then filed a case in the case. (J)