96-Year-Old Bedridden Mumbai Resident Receives Jail Sentence for Decades-Old Fraud

Anil Gosalia, a 96-year-old resident of Mumbai, has been sentenced to one year in prison by a CBI court for his involvement in a bank fraud committed 35 years ago. Despite his advanced age and health issues, Gosalia was found guilty along with his son Dilip and nephew Vimal, who received five-year jail terms.

Gosalia, now bedridden and suffering from various ailments, was unable to attend the court proceedings. Special CBI judge C G Mehta issued a conviction warrant against him, despite his physical condition. Gosalia’s advocate informed the court about his client’s health and requested leniency.

Acknowledging Gosalia’s condition, the court sentenced him to one year in jail, recognizing his inability to independently perform daily activities. However, the judge declined to grant probation, emphasizing the need for appropriate punishment in socio-economic offences to maintain faith in the justice system.

In addition to Gosalia, his son Dilip, 71, and nephew Vimal, 58, were also found guilty and immediately taken into custody. Gosalia’s lawyer requested bail for him, which the court granted, sparing him from immediate imprisonment.

The fraud, involving Gosalia International, Gosalia’s firm based in Bhavnagar, occurred in 1989 when they conspired with State Bank of Saurashtra officials to enhance letter of credit limits. The fraud was uncovered in 1995, leading to a CBI investigation.

The 26-year trial saw the passing of two bank officials accused of corruption and two members of the Gosalia family charged in the case. Despite the prolonged legal battle and health issues, the court upheld the conviction, underscoring the seriousness of the offence and the importance of justice delivery in such cases.