CHENNAI, Nov 4: While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has named Manjit Singh alias Bali, the missing link in the Chandralekha acid attack case, who is now absconding, it is learnt that the Tamil Nadu Police let the latter off despite his being in official custody of the Mumbai Police.

Manjit Singh was arrested by the Mumbai Police about three years ago in some other case, but was let off on bail by a Mumbai court after the Tamil Nadu Police told the Mumbai Police that he was not required in the acid attack case. The Tamil Nadu police reportedly communicated to the Mumbai police that Masnjit was not connected to the incident.

Manjit Singh would have made a lot of difference in establishing the case, the CBI has said in its charge-sheet. The CBI is presently on the look out to nab Manjit Singh, suspected to be in Punjab. Meanwhile, the case relating to the bail petition for Surla has been adjourned for hearing on November 4. It is learnt that V S Chandralekha may oppose the bail for Surla.

Chandralekha charged that the conspiracy was still going on actively. ``Who made him do that? Who paid him money? He can be bumped off if let out. Also, I am in danger,'' she cried.

The bail is being opposed on the grounds that he had committed contempt of the Supreme Court.

``While he had confessed to being involved in the acid attack on me, he had told the CBI something else,'' Chandralekha said, and demanded that the CBI file a fresh chargesheet to probe why Surla has contradicted himself in the court.

The IAS officer has pressed for a fresh chargesheet to probe the motive behind Surla's self-contradictory stand.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the Tamil Nadu Police, whose findings have been negated by the CBI, is also likely to oppose the bail to Surla.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.