CBI wants to probe adoption case again

Almost two years after giving a clean chit to Pune-based adoption house Preet Mandir, the the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has realised that its investigation was sloppy and further probe is required, reports Urvi Mahajan.

Almost two years after giving a clean chit to Pune-based adoption house Preet Mandir, the the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has realised that its investigation was sloppy and further probe is required.

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In October 2007, the CBI submitted a report to the Bombay High Court giving a clean chit to the adoption house.

Two NGOs, Advait Foundation and Sakhi, had filed a petition in 2006 based on the allegations levelled after a sting operation carried out by a news channel which claimed that Preet Mandir indulged in selling babies to foreigners for $12,000 (about Rs 6 lakh).

Darius Khambata, additional solicitor general appearing for the CBI, told the high court on Thursday that they (the CBI) have analysed the report again and it appears insufficient. “The report does not cover certain aspects,” said Khambata.

The division bench if Justice Bilal Nazki and Justice A.R. Joshi has asked the CBI to file an affidavit stating that they require further investigation.

After the CBI filed the report, advocates Abhay Nevagi and Rajesh Mirchandani, representing Sakhi, had submitted an affidavit pointing out the lapses in the investigation alleging that the CBI was hand in glove with the adoption house.

Based on the CBI report in July 2008, the high court had allowed Preet Mandir to go ahead with international adoptions. But following the allegations, the high court stayed all international adoptions.