``Actually I had received three cheques - two of Rs 10 lakh each and the third of Rs 12 lakh - from Sambasiva. But the money was borrowed from him to make certain personal arrangements,'' Sanjeeva told special judge VB Gupta through counsel Satish Tamta.

CBI had alleged in its charge-sheet that Sanjeeva received the amount from the Turkish firm's Indian agent as his `share' in the urea deal.

Dubai-based Indian businessman Rajendra Babbani in his confessional statement before a Delhi court in November 1997 said Sambasiva had paid Rs 17 lakh to Sanjeeva.

Arguing that the charges were baseless Sanjeeva said, ``CBI knows that I received the cheques on February 20, March 23 and April 11, 1996 and repaid the whole amount to him(Sambasiva) with interest. But still they (CBI) have come out with the charge-sheet.''

According to CBI, Sanjeeva, Sambasiva, Mallesam Gaud and some others had in February '95 conspired to take government contracts on behalf of foreign firms and receive unreasonable commission.

In pursuance of the conspiracy they had invited London- based Brazilian businessman AE Pinto to come to India with some papers for the purpose of signing the contract, CBI alleged.

Tamta said ``CBI is not clear about the date and time of the meeting during which the alleged conspiracy was hatched.''

He further said for commission of an offence under Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) two or more people should meet together with the intention to commit an illegal act.

``But taking government contracts and charging commissions from foreign companies can't be termed as illegal acts,'' Tamta submitted.

CBI alleged that Indian co-conspirators had received kickback worth $ four million through hawala channels.

Regarding CBI'sallegation that Sanjeeva introduced Sambasiva to the then National Fertilisers Ltd (NFL) managing director CK Ramakrishnan in May '95, he said ``again the agency has not come out with the date and time of the alleged meeting.''

Even if it took place, mere meetings cannot result in a criminal conspiracy, he submitted.

NFL had awarded the contract to Karsan in October '95 after modifying earlier contract with it in July '95 and entire amount of $ 38 million was paid in advance.

But no urea supply was made by Karsan till June 30, '96, expiry date of the deal. The CBI had registered the case immediately after this date.