CBI records statement of Buta Singh

The former Union Minister and former Governor had informed the Delhi High Court on August 31 that he would appear before the investigating agency only after it clarified that he is required as a witness and not as an accused in the case.

Singh, who had earlier struck a defiant note saying CBI has no authority to question a Constitutional functionary having powers of a civil court, without Centre's sanction, made the statement before a two-member CBI team at his NCSC office in the Lok Nayak Bhavan here.

Buta Singh's son, Sarobjit, was arrested on July 31 by CBI for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs one crore from a Nashik-based contractor to close an atrocity case against him pending before the Commission headed by his father.

The High Court had on August 26 sought response from the CBI on a petition filed by Singh, who had accused the probe agency of "illegally" summoning him.

Singh, who had approached the High Court on August 25, had also contended that he holds a post of Cabinet rank and the CBI cannot question or interrogate him without taking the Centre's sanction.