Sacked Rajasthan minister Mahipal Maderna on Thursday admitted before the CBI to a relationship with missing nurse Bhanwari Devi though he denied any hand in her disappearance.
Maderna’s admission came even as the CD allegedly showing Bhanwari and the former minister in a compromising position was aired on a few TV channels on Thursday.
Maderna arrived at the CBI office at about 11 am and was whisked away by officials. Sources said Maderna accepted that he had a relationship with Bhanwari Devi.
Madrena’s questioning came a day ahead of a high court hearing in habeas corpus petition filed by Bhanwari’s husband Amarchand. The court had asked the CBI to submit its progress report on November 11.
The surfacing of the CD left the Congress downcast while the BJP demanded that the government should go.
Asked if the Congress was planning to take any action against Maderna, Pradesh Congress committee president Dr Chandrabhan said, “I am in Ajmer and have no information regarding the CD. I will find out details after I reach Jaipur. Besides, the issue is sub-judice and the court is monitoring it.”
He added, “I have not seen the CD and nothing can be said right now as things are at an early stage.”
{{/usCountry}}He added, “I have not seen the CD and nothing can be said right now as things are at an early stage.”
{{/usCountry}}BJP spokesperson and MLA Bhawani Singh Rajawat said so far the CBI was trying to cover up the entire episode but the surfacing of the CD has exposed the true face of those in power.
“If the government has any morality left, it should and Gehlot should take out a penitence rally,” said Rajawat.
The CBI has questioned several people including Indira Bishnoi, sister of Malkhan Singh Bishnoi, MLA from Luni, and a suspended policeman in connection with the case.
An audio CD with a purported conversation between Bhanwari Devi and Bishnoi had surfaced in which Bhanwari spoke about striking a deal with Maderna for the CD. She had also approached Pali MP Badri Ram Jakhar in this connection.
Her husband Amarchand has alleged she was abducted at the behest of Maderna though he has denied the charge.
Bhanwari has been missing since September 1. She was posted as an auxiliary nurse midwife at a sub-centre in Jaliwada village, around 120 km from Jodhpur.