Muzaffarpur rape case: CBI may quiz ex-minister’s hubby

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), probing the sexual abuse case in Muzaffarpur, is likely to interrogate Chandeshwar Verma, husband of Manju Verma, who resigned as Social Welfare Minister here on Wednesday.

The CBI, which took over the investigation into the case in which more than 40 girls were sexually exploited at a shelter home in Muzaffarpur, has found clinching evidence of Chandeshwar’s proximity with the kingpin of rape case Brajesh Thakur. As per the call details record (CDR), Thakur spoke to Chandeshwar 17 times between January and May 2018.

A former MLC, Chandeshwar is reported to have travelled with Brajesh Thakur to New Delhi. The CBI sleuths are interrogating the travel agency as to who paid for their air tickets.

Rise and fall of Chandeshwar

Chandeshwar’s father Sukhdeo Mahto was a CPI MLA from Cheria Bariarpur in Bihar’s Begusaria district. Chandeshwar, however, joined Janata Dal (United) in 2007. One year prior to joining the ruling party, Chandeshwar fielded his wife Manju Verma in the Panchayat poll in 2006. However, Manju lost the election.

Later, using his clout, Chandeshwar managed to get JD (U) ticket for Manju from Cheria Bariarpur Assembly constituency in 2010. This time she won. She again won from this constituency in 2015 and was made Social Welfare Minister.

Brajesh Thakur has admitted that he often spoke to Manju’s husband’s but added that “the talks were more political in nature.”

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is planning to confiscate Thakur’s ill-gotten wealth, supposed to be worth several crores. The Muzaffarpur police, in its supervision report, has mentioned that Thakur acquired illegal property in Muzaffarpur, Patna, Bettiah, Samastipur, Darbhanga and New Delhi in an illegal manner.

“Thakur purchased plots in Darbhanga, Bettiah, Muzaffarpur and Patna, besides owing Palace Hotel (in Muzaffarpur) through a brokerage, newspaper advertisements, sex racket and supply of girls within the country and abroad. The truth will come out once the ED investigates,” said the police report.