CBI files chargesheet against ex Jharkhand minister in DA case
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda's close aide and his ex-ministerial colleague Bhanu Pratap Shahi was chargesheeted today by CBI for allegedly acquiring disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs seven crore.
The chargesheet was filed in a special CBI court in Ranchi against Shahi, who was in-charge of Health and Labour departments during Koda's regime. It also named five other persons--Shahi's former OSD U S Malviya, nephew Prashant Kumar (nephew) besides some of his relatives and friends in connection with the disproportionate case.
"Shahi has been charged with acquiring disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 6,99,95,564," a CBI spokesperson said in a statement.
Following a directive from Jharkhand High Court, the investigating agency had taken over the probe from the State Vigilance department and registered an FIR in August, 2010.
Apart from Shahi, Koda and his two former cabinet colleagues -- Kamlesh Singh and Bandhu Tirkey -- were also named accused in the FIR "which have allegations ranging from misuse of official position to possessing disproportionate assets", it said.
Shahi is presently in judicial custody. "The investigation of the case is continued with respect to other allegations," the official added.
Earlier this year, the CBI had filed another chargesheet against Koda and his two associates, Binod Sinha and Sanjay Chaudhary, in the court of a special judge in Ranchi under 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The chargesheet had accused Koda of misusing his position to allegedly benefit Sinha and Choudhary in taking "bribes" from various companies in the allotment of lease of iron mines in the State.
Koda was arrested on November 30, 2009 and is in judicial custody along with Sinha while Chaudhary was arrested last month by CBI in the UAE.
CBI had issued a Red Corner Notice against Choudhary who was on the run following Koda's arrest.
Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also probing the case of alleged violation of money laundering and foreign exchange laws by Koda and others.
