CVC seeks CBI response on alleged tardy probe in graft cases

The Central Vigilance Commission has sought response from CBI on a complaint alleging tardy probe in select high profile corruption cases including of disproportionate assets charges against BSP supremo Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Former BSF Director General Prakash Singh, on behalf of NGO India Rejuvenation Initiative (IRI) involving other eminent citizens, had in a letter to CBI Director Ranjit Sinha alleged that the investigating agency was "dragging its feet" in many cases.

"We are, however, dismayed with the functioning of the CBI in quite a few cases, in which the organisation has played it cool to the extent of dragging its feet. On the other hand, there have been cases where the organisation has been over enthusiastic.

"The unmistakable impression one gets is that the CBI interest in a particular case is directly proportional to the ruling party's interest in the matter," said the letter written on August 30.

It alleged, "If the government wants a case to remain in cold storage, the CBI ensures that. Conversely, if the government wants a case to be given acceleration, the CBI obliges accordingly. This is a very disturbing state of affairs."

The letter cited the "varying" pace of investigation by the CBI in alleged disproportionate assets cases involving Mulayam Singh Yadav, Mayawati and Tamil Nadu Chief Minsiter J Jayalalithaa and railgate scandal involving Vijaya Singla, nephew of former Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, besides the alleged Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case of Gujarat.

The complainants have also written to the Central Vigilance Commission, which exercises superintendence over the CBI to oversee probe in corruption cases, seeking its intervention.

Central Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar, in his response to Singh's complaint, said that the allegations have brought "the credibility of CBI into question".

"In the letter to Director, CBI you have conveyed your impression that CBI is accelerating the progress of some cases and slowing others on political considerations, thereby bringing the credibility of CBI into question. I have sought the comments of Director, CBI on your letter and will revert to you thereafter," Kumar said.