Agusta accused Christian Michel alleges poisoning plot in jail, Delhi Court orders probe

A Delhi court has directed Tihar Jail authorities to respond to a startling allegation from Christian Michel James — the British national accused of being a middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter case. Michel, currently held in Tihar Jail, has claimed there were attempts to poison him inside the prison in 2019. In an application moved before the court, he requested heightened security measures, citing an ongoing threat to his life, as reported by TOI.

Special Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal took the allegation seriously and ordered the Director General of Tihar Prisons to submit a detailed report.

“A report be also called from the DG (Prisons), Tihar Jail on the above application of accused No 35 (James) ... with directions to file a status report as to what action was taken with regard to the allegations made by the aforesaid accused ... regarding the alleged attempts on his life on dates mentioned in the said application by way of poisoning,” the judge said, as reported by TOI.

The court has asked for the report to be filed by 16 April.

Court orders medical check-up amid ongoing pain

Alongside the poisoning allegation, Michel has also raised medical concerns.

He recently complained of persistent pain following a surgery conducted on 11 February this year. Acting on this, the court has directed Tihar authorities to escort him to the orthopaedic department at AIIMS Delhi on 7 April, where he is to be seen by a treating surgeon.

This isn't the first time Michel has reported discomfort since the operation. His application notes the pain has not subsided, prompting the court to intervene for specialist care.

“I can’t accept the bail. It’s unsafe,” says Michel

In a surprising turn on 7 March, just days after being granted bail, Michel declined to walk free. He told the court he feared for his life outside the jail, especially due to alleged police harassment.

“I can’t accept the bail. It’s unsafe. Every time I step out of Tihar, something happens. The problem I am having is with the police,” Michel told the court.

Instead of bail, Michel expressed his willingness to complete his sentence and leave India afterward, saying that staying inside prison was safer than the uncertainty outside.

The AgustaWestland Case

Christian Michel is one of the key accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scandal, a case involving allegations of kickbacks in the procurement of 12 luxury helicopters for top Indian officials.

He was extradited from the UAE in 2018 and has remained in judicial custody since then. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) have charged him with money laundering and bribery in connection to the ?3,600 crore deal.

Though the case against him is still under trial, Michel’s time in India has been dominated by legal battles, medical complaints, and now, claims of attempts on his life.

(With inputs from TOI)