The kingpin in the fake stamp paper scam Abdul Karim Telgi on Monday confessed before a chief judicial magistrate about his alleged role in a case where he is charged with selling fake stamp papers.

Telgi said he felt much relieved after the end of the marathon five-hour session.

Charged in 48 cases in the scam totaling over Rs 30,000 crore, Telgi has confessed his role for the first time since his last arrest in 2002.

Telgi appeared before CJM D W Modak 48 hours after he was asked to apply his mind and reflect on his decision to confess in the 1995 case.

Although his confession was behind closed doors, it assumes significance in the wake of Telgi telling the judge earlier that he wished to confess to expose powerful politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen and others involved in the scam.

Complete Coverage: The stamp of corruption