The Calcutta High Court on Friday, 13 September, vacated its order granting protection from arrest to former Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam. The court also rejected Kumar's prayer for quashing a CBI notice that sought his appearance for questioning in the case.
Kumar, who is currently the West Bengal CID Additional Director General, was part of a Special Investigation Team set up by the state government to investigate the scam before the Supreme Court handed over the case to the CBI in 2014, along with other chit fund cases.
The Saradha group of companies has allegedly duped lakhs of people to the tune of Rs 2500 crore, promising higher rates of returns on their investments.
What the High Court Said
The High Court observed that Kumar’s counsel has failed to substantiate that the CBI is harassing him or trying to injure his reputation.
According to a report in The Hindu, Justice Madhumati Mitra also stated that the allegation that Kumar has been singled out did not hold since officers superior in rank to him have been interrogated by the CBI.
“Blanket protection of not arresting is not available in law and would amount to unnecessary interfering with the investigation. No one is above the law and the petitioner cannot seek special protection.”Justice Madhumati Mitra
What Next?
- Two CBI officers reached Rajeev Kumar’s residence following the High Court order.
- However, the IPS officer was not at home and is currently on leave.
- Kumar has been asked to appear before the CBI at 10 am on Saturday, 14 September.
(With inputs from PTI)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)