Rajasthan former minister quizzed in missing nurse case

However, trouble compounded for Maderna as the alleged video CD showing him in a compromising position with Bhanwari Devi was flashed on the local TV channels for the first time on Thursday.

Bhanwari, 36, posted as an ANM at a sub-centre in Jaliwada village, around 120 km from Jodhpur, has been missing since September 1. Her husband Amarchand had alleged that she was abducted at the behest of Maderna and his associates. The former minister  allegedly had an illicit relations with the woman. He was sacked by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on October 16. Maderna arrived at the CBI (Jodhpur) office at about 11.15 am accompanied by a couple of his supporters and was questioned till 5.45pm. Both CBI and Maderna  were tight lipped on the issue. The interrogation is being done on the eve of the next hearing at the High Court on a  habeas corpus filed by Amarchand, Bhanwari’s husband. It is also believed that the interrogation was prompted by the courts mounting pressure on the CBI to crack the case.

The court had fixed November 11 as the date of hearing for the writ. The CBI is also directed to produce the progress report of its investigation so far in the case. It has been over a month since it started the investigation. The court’s harsh observations and comments against the  state government led to Maderna’s termination from the Rajasthan cabinet.

A video CD purportedly made by Bhanwari with the minister in a compromising position is at the center of the controversial case. Bhanwari was allegedly blackmailing Maderna with the recorded CD. A deal was allegedly arbitrated by the accused-Sohan Lal Bishnoi, Sahi Ram Bishnoi and Indra Bishnoi between Bhanwari and Maderna.

Three audio clips recording the conversation between Bhanwari Devi and the three accused has disclosed that she has been  blackmailing Maderna to extort huge cash to return the CD. In the audio clips she was heard saying that the CD would be made available to the media if the deal was not settled.

Meanwhile, a CBI court  has declared Sai Ram Bishnoi, an accused in the Bhanwari Devi missing case, as an absconder and issued a standing arrest warrant against him.