The Special Investigation Team probing the stamp paper scam has written a letter to Karnataka authorities seeking custody of Abdul Karim Telgi, so that he can attend the trial expected to begin in March 2004, public prosecutor Raja Thakre informed designated Judge S M Shembole in Pune on Thursday.

The development came as a key operative of Telgi, Raez Quadri, was arrested in Hyderabad and remanded to police custody till January 8.

The Telgi Case: The Complete Coverage

The case against Telgi and others was registered on June 7, 2002, at the Bund Garden police station in Pune. The Maharashtra government then formed the SIT to probe the scam.

Telgi was brought to Mumbai from Karnataka between November 2002 and January 2003. He spent 85 days in Mumbai police's custody. Later, he was sent back to Karnataka.