25 yrs after FIR, CBI yet to complete probe

On May 1, 1987, the Supreme Court ordered the investigative agency to register an FIR against six persons for allegedly forging Rashtrapati Bhawan documents to secure the release of a man arrested on smuggling charges, and to inquire into the matter. Sumit Saxena reports.

In the CBI’s book, it seems 25 years isn’t time enough to wrap up an investigation.

HT Image

On May 1, 1987, the Supreme Court ordered the investigative agency to register an FIR against six persons for allegedly forging Rashtrapati Bhawan documents to secure the release of a man arrested on smuggling charges, and to inquire into the matter. At that time, Giani Zail Singh was President of India and MG Katre the CBI director. Six presidents and 16 CBI directors later, the probe is still hanging fire.

“The FIR, registered on the SC's directions, is still pending investigation. Neither has the final report been filed, nor has the FIR been quashed,” said Delhi chief metropolitan magistrate Vinod Yadav. He has directed the agency to file an affidavit indicating the stage of investigation by March 10.

In July 1986, one Pushpa Devi filed a petition in the SC challenging an order for preventive detention of her husband, Mohan Lal Jatia. She contended that he had made a representation to the President in April seeking revocation of the detention order, that the representation was received at the secretariat of the President and that the Centre had not disposed of it.

When the court asked for the records from Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Centre informed it that no such representation was received but that records were tampered with, in connivance with two Rashtrapati Bhawan employees, to show that one was received. Following this, the court ordered a CBI probe.