CBI clean chit to Pralhad Joshi's brother in Canara Bank scam

The CBI has given a clean chit to Canara Bank former employee Gopal Joshi and others, over charges of causing a loss of Rs 1.38 crore to the bank. Gopal is the brother of State BJP president Pralhad Joshi.

In the final report submitted to the CBI special court in Dharwad on September 4, the CBI officials gave the details of the result of the investigation, list of evidences and documents, in three parts.

“There are no proper evidences to prove the criminal charges against Gopal Joshi and others. Though there might be some errors in collecting deposits for the bank, they are not punishable offences. The bank has not incurred any loss as the accused paid additional interest amount to public sector undertakings, from their own accounts. For violation of some rules, the bank has already taken disciplinary action after conducting the internal inquiry. Joshi has been punished with demotion and compulsory retirement. Therefore, the case can be dropped,” the report said.

In the context of the CBI report, the court had issued notice to the bank officials. The complainants appeared before the court on October 19, and sought time to file a detailed objection.
 The court adjourned the hearing, asking them to file the objection on November 25. On August 12, 2013, Canara Bank deputy general manager T V B Rajan had lodged a complaint with the CBI, alleging that Joshi, director of G-5 Solutions Private Limited and director of Tribol Wise Communications had caused a loss to the tune of Rs 1.38 crore to the bank by conducting transactions through accounts of private persons, while collecting deposits from the RGUHS, Hatti Gold Mines and other PSUs. 

Gopal said that some persons hatched a conspiracy against him, not tolerating the political growth of his brother. The CBI has understood the truth and has given a clean chit, he added.