A file picture of Daya Nayak and his wife Komal.

MUMBAI: An anticipatory bail application of "encounter specialist" Daya Nayak, facing charges of having accumulated money running to crores of rupees, was rejected by the sessions court here on Thursday. However, Nayak moved the Bombay High Court and it granted an interim protection from arrest till Friday. The anticipatory bail plea will be heard on the day.

Sessions judge S. P. Mahajan had been hearing arguments on the bail application for over a week now. The judge rejected the application, saying that there was a prima facie case against the accused.

During the arguments, defence counsel Shirish Gupte submitted that all the allegations had been enquired into (since 2003) and that Nayak had been exonerated of the charges. Nayak was always available for any interrogation and the investigation seemed to be complete. There was no need for his police custody. Additional Prosecutor R.V. Kini argued that Komal, Daya Nayak's wife, had withdrawn several lakhs from Ojus Housing Finance, floated by Daya Nayak. She allegedly gave the money to Manivelan and he would make different investments. To make further investigations police custody of Nayak was required, he said.

Since 2002, Nayak had been facing allegations of accumulating wealth beyond his means. He was getting a monthly salary of around Rs.10, 000 as a sub inspector in the Crime Branch. Ketan Tirodkar, complainant in this case, alleged that Nayak had been involved with the underworld.

During a raid on the night of January 20, Rs. 41.75 lakh worth assets were allegedly unearthed.

Nayak shot to fame with over 50 encounters and was said to be instrumental in curtailing Mumbai's underworld activity.

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