Rediff.com’s Sheela Bhatt speaks with Vishwanath Chaturvedi, a petitioner in the disproportionate assets case against Samajwadi Party supreme Mulayam Singh Yadav and his family who claims that the CBI may shut the case prematurely
According to Chaturvedi, the Central Bureau of Investigation is in the process of closing the infamous case that started in 2005. Chaturvedi told rediff.com, “I have information that the CBI intends to file the summary report (closure of the case) in my case against Yadav and his family.”
When contacted, CBI spokesman Dharini Mishra told rediff.com, “The probe in this case is in the final stage. We have not taken any decision in the case, yet.”
However, Chaturvedi says that the CBI is likely to close the case because the United Progressive Alliance government needs the SP’s votes to pass the Food Security Bill in the Lok Sabha. Yadav had met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last week where both discussed political issues.
The important judgment in this case has come after a prolonged and torturous legal battle in December 2012. The Supreme Court had ordered the CBI to file the First Information Report in the case after completing the investigation.
But, now, if the CBI closes the case without even filing the FIR, it will be a huge victory for the Yadav family which has been struggling to respond to allegations of owning some two dozen properties all over Uttar Pradesh worth Rs 200 crore.
It is said that this case is unique for use, misuse and abuse of legal loopholes in the judicial system. It is the right case to study how delayed justice is a boon for the rich and powerful in India. The critics would take it as a sham of Indian justice delivery system if the CBI closes the case prematurely.
The Congress will face the flak as the Bharatiya Janata Party has always alleged that the Congress uses the CBI to harass or help leaders of regional parties who are facing music due to corruption related cases.
If at all the CBI shows the audacity to close the case without even filing the FIR against the Yadav family, then it will not lose much, as it’s credibility has been eroded long back.
