CBI arrests own officer for faking Anil Deshmukh 'clean chit report'

Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday had raided and arrested its own sub-inspector for alleged hand in preparing a purported clean chit to former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, IANS reported.

The raids were conducted in New Delhi and Allahabad after seizing Deshmukh's son-in-law Gaurav Chaturvedi and his lawyer Anand Daga from Worli in Mumbai.

In a short statement, CBI said on Thursday morning that a case had been registered against SI Tripathi of CBI, Nagpur based lawyer Daga and other unknown persons for certain allegations, including corruption.

The involvement of the arrested CBI Sub Inspector was confirmed after Chaturvedi and Daga were questioned. The duo was detained, and their statements were recorded.

Last week, a report had surfaced, rocking media and political circles, that a clean chit was given to Deshmukh in the Bombay High Court's order for a preliminary enquiry (PE). CBI issued two strong rebuttals following the alleged leak and initiated a secret probe into the matter, which found an 'inside hand' in the case.

The unsigned-undated-unattributed alleged PE report triggered another political row. National Congress Party (NCP) demanded that the CBI should comment on the authenticity of the report. State Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said that arresting the three without serving any prior notice was extremely serious.

He lashed out that laws are being trampled in the country, and what prevailing here is what is declared by "Modi-Shah".

State minister and NCP national spokesperson Nawab Malik also commented in similar lines. He asked whether the rule of law or the law of rulers prevail in this country. He demanded CBI clarify its action of the arrests.

Meanwhile, Deshmukh has not responded to multiple summonses by CBI and ED, and it is speculated that he is in contact with his family.