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Vyapam scam: Prime accused, absconding for three years, arrested

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Vyapam

New Delhi: In a joint operation, Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force and CBI today arrested from Kanpur one of the prime accused in the Vyapam scam Ramesh Shivhare, who had been absconding for the last three years.

“We have arrested Shivhare this morning. He is wanted by CBI in several cases in the Vyapam scam,” Uttar Pradesh DGP Javeed Ahmed told PTI over phone.

CBI sources said here that Shivhare is wanted in five cases probed by it which are related to alleged irregularities in the conduct of Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board also known as Vyapam.

They said Shivhare was absconding for the last three years and carried a reward of Rs 10,000.

A native of Uttar Pradesh, Shivhare’s wife was a local body member in Mahoba.

They said Shivhare was one of the kingpins of the scam and was nabbed in a joint operation by UPSTF and CBI from Avas Vikas colony in Kalyanpur area of Kanpur.

He will be produced before a competent court today after which he will be taken to Bhopal, they said.

Shivhare allegedly acted as a middleman and arranged for impostors and dummy candidates to appear in the examination carried out by Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board for a certain amount.

A resident of Uttar Pradesh, Shivhare has been evading questioning by authorities probing the case. His application for anticipatory bail was also turned down by the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2014.

“There is material to indicate the involvement of applicant in the commission of the crime, for which reason, the Investigating Officer has been insisting for attendance of the applicant for quite some time but in vain,” a bench of Chief Justice A M Khanwilkar and Justice Alok Aradhe had said.

(PTI)

Vyapam scam: CBI conducts raids in 40 premises across UP, MP

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Vyapam

Bhopal: After taking over investigations into the Vyapam scam CBI has for the first time on Thursday raided 40 premises across Madhya Pradesh including that of former technical education minister Laxmikant Sharma.

Searches are being carried out at Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur , Ujjain, Rewa, Lucknow and Allahabad.

Investigation into Vyapam scam has turned out to be a Herculean task for the CBI, which had recently proposed setting up a “special Vyapam scam zone” and manpower of 500 people’ for investigations and trial of the mammoth scam.

This is presumed to be the first such scam, in which agency has mooted proposal for setting up of special zone.

“The colossal task of investigating 107 cases pertaining to alleged corruption and nearly 50 cases pertaining to the suspected deaths related to Vyapam scam having more than 2,000 accused cannot be met with the existing man power and infrastructure of CBI,” said the agency, in its status report, submitted before the Supreme Court recently.

It further said, “As prescribed by the report of the staff inspection unit on norms-cum-staffing study of CBI dated October 12, 1998 of the department of expenditure, ministry of finance, GoI, it is proposed to set up a separate zone headed by joint director with manpower of 496 people.”

The agency said the proposed zone may be named as “AC HQ-II Zone” of CBI and be provided with supporting infrastructure such as buildings, furniture, vehicles, and computers with necessary accessories and stationery as per norms. The new zone, agency said, will not only cater to corruption cases, but cases pertaining to deaths in connection with Vyapam scam.

CBI has sought sanction of 496 posts, including 108 constables, 36 head constables, 18 assistant sub-inspectors, 36 inspectors, 63 inspectors, 18 DSPs, 9 ASPs, 9 SPs and three DIGs. This would entail recurring expenditure of Rs 24,07,11,156 (around Rs 24.07 crores) and non-recurring Rs 5,05,73,000 (around Rs 55 crore).

As on date, CBI has taken over 106 FIRs, out of 107 Vyapam scam cases being investigated by the special task force (STF) of Madhya Pradesh and have collected documents in 105 case.

In one case, which is yet to be taken over, the matter is under scrutiny as trial of some of the accused person has ended in acquittal and the state of Madhya Pradesh has gone in appeal against the acquittals before the Gwalior bench of high court of Madhya Pradesh.

(Agencies)

Take over all Vyapam cases, SC tells CBI

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Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court directed the CBI to inform it in three weeks about taking over the probe of most of the 185 cases related to the Vyapam scam on Friday

A Bench, led by Chief Justice of India H.L. Dattu, asked the Department of Personnel and Training to inform it by the next hearing on August 7 about filling of vacancies in the CBI as the agency had complained that a shortage of manpower was hindering the probe.

The task of appointing lawyers to prosecute the cases in various special CBI courts in Madhya Pradesh should be completed within six weeks, the Bench told the CBI. “We have so much of faith in you. You take up the cases. Whether it is in Bhopal, Jabhalpur or any other place, you will have your own counsel for prosecution,” the Bench said.

(Agencies)

Vyapam scam whistleblower Anand Rai transferred

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ANAND_RAI

Bhopal: Days after he lodged a complaint with CBI against senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Vikram Verma, Vyapam scam whistleblower and government doctor Anand Rai has been transferred from Indore to Dhar district.

Rai had lodged a complaint with the CBI alleging that Verma, using his influence and power, had got his daughter, pursuing MBBS in Santosh Medical College at Ghaziabad, transferred to Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal.

Rai, who was on deputation at the health department’s training institute in Indore, was transferred yesterday.

His wife Gouri, who is also a government doctor, too was transferred from civil hospital at Mhow in Indore to Ujjain district hospital last month.

However, unfazed by the transfer, Dr Rai today said that he is going to move the court to challenge his transfer.

“I am being hounded for lodging a complaint against Verma on July 17 and exposing the Vyapam scam. People involved in the wrongdoings were running the state,” he alleged.

Meanwhile, another Vyapam scam whistleblower Ashish Chaturvedi said he along with his colleagues will write a letter to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeking that the transfers of Rai and his wife be revoked.

“If the government doesn’t do so, we are going to protest,” Chaturvedi said. The whistleblowers in MP are being hounded, he alleged.

“We won’t sit quiet against the corrupt government. President’s Rule should be imposed in Madhya Pradesh to replace Governor Ram Naresh Yadav and Chief Minister Chouhan, who are also allegedly involved in the Vyapam scam and holding highest posts in the state,” he said.

The CBI has registered at least 12 cases so far, following Supreme Court’s direction, to probe the scam.

Massive irregularities in various professional examinations and government job tests conducted by Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board or ‘Vyapam’ have been unearthed.

The scam allegedly involves several state government officials, former ministers and politicians.

At least, 55 cases have been registered by the MP police and 2,000 accused have been arrested, police said.

The Opposition Congress has alleged that at least 49 people associated with the scam have so far died under “mysterious” circumstances.

(PTI)

Vyapam probe will join CBI’s 6,562 pending corruption trials

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cbi

New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh’s embattled Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has welcomed the Supreme Court’s move to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into what has come to be called the Vyapam scam, but with 6,562 corruption cases pending trial, justice through the overstretched agency is unlikely to be quick.

The CBI must first investigate the Vyapam case, which will mean tracking down thousands of of suspects and witnesses and following a complex eight-year trail (the scandal first came to light in 2007). After investigation, it must file a charge-sheet. Only then will the case go to trial.

Chouhan was under pressure to accede to a CBI inquiry because as many as 35 people have died since an investigation began in 2013 into allegations of bribes paid for medical college admissions to the Madhya Pradesh Vyavsayik Pareesksha Mandal (Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board), or Vyapam.

With 2,500 people already named as accused and 1,900 in prison pending investigation, which until July 9, 2015, was monitored by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the new inquiry by the CBI is likely to challenge the agency, already struggling to cope with a rising number of pending investigations and trials in CBI courts.

Over the past four years, the CBI has brought down its case-load by no more than 9 percent, from 7,178 in 2011 to 6,562 in 2014, according to the latest government data available on March 31, 2014.

Delhi tops the list with 765 corruption cases pending before the courts. Maharashtra is next with 691 cases followed by West Bengal (646), Uttar Pradesh (596) and Tamil Nadu (474).

Over the past four years, the CBI registered 2,220 cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The agency has completed investigations in 1,512 cases, while 708 cases are pending investigation.

During 2013, the conviction rate for corruption cases tried in CBI courts was 69 percent, according to latest data available with the National Crime Records Bureau.

Slow progress in high-profile cases

The Vyapam inquiry is likely to be a high-profile probe, involving top government officials and ministers.

Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav is also alleged to be involved. A notice has now been issued against the governor by the Supreme Court. One of the accused in the scam has also filed a police complaint against union minister Uma Bharati.

Over the past four years, the CBI has registered a total of 45 cases against central government ministers, members of parliament and ex-ministers of state and central governments.

While 25 cases are under trial, 12 cases are under investigation. Five cases have been closed by CBI. In one case, the agency has appealed against the order of the court, according to government data.

The Supreme Court steps in

On July 9, 2015, the Supreme Court ordered that all criminal cases and deaths connected with the Vyapam scandal be transferred to the CBI.

On July 24, the Supreme Court will decide if it will monitor the CBI inquiry. Criticising the Madhya Pradesh High Court for postponing a state government request to hand over the case to the CBI, Chief Justice Dattu said the High Court will not “touch the Vyapam case” now.

Vyapam is a self-financed, autonomous body of the Madhya Pradesh state government, organising competitive entrance tests to professional courses. Its website says it is the only institute of its kind in India.

More than 7 million candidates have appeared for the exams conducted by Vyapam over the past six years.

The first death related to the bribery scandal was reported in 2009, when a medical student accused of being a middleman by the police died of an illness and adverse drug reaction. About 500 people connected to the case are missing.

(IANS)

SC orders CBI probe into Vyapam, as more skeletons tumble out

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Supreme Court

New Delhi/Bhopal: The Supreme Court today ordered a CBI probe into the massive admission and recruitment scam in Madhya Pradesh as more skeletons tumbled out of the Vyapam cupboard with the death of yet another witness coming to light.

The Supreme Court, while directing CBI to probe all cases of the Vyapam scam and alleged deaths of persons related to it, also and issued notices to the Centre and the state on a plea seeking Governor Ramnaresh Yadav’s removal for his alleged involvement in the scandal. The court also issued a notice to the Governor.

Congress had yesterday claimed 49 people associated with the scam had died so far.

The apex court’s order transferring all Vyapam-related cases to the CBI came after the state government gave its consent to shifting investigation from the Special Investiation Team (SIT) and the Special Task Force (STF).

A bench headed by Chief Justice H L Dattu said all cases will stand transferred to the CBI from Monday and the agency will file its report before it on July 24.

Before handing over the probe to the CBI, the apex court took on record the submission of Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, who on behalf of the MP government, said the state has no objection to transferring the investigation in Vyapam and deaths of people allegedly related to it for a free and fair probe.

“The Attorney General (AG) on instruction states that MP govt has no objection whatsoever for transferring the investigation of criminal cases relating to Vyapam scam to the CBI and the cases related to deaths of those allegedly connected with the scam for free and fair probe.

“We appreciate the stand of the AG. In view of the above we transfer investigation of all criminal cases relating to Vyapam scam and death of people allegedly related to it, to CBI,” the bench, also comprising Justices Arun Mishra and Amitava Roy, said.

The apex court was hearing a batch of petitions including one filed by senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh seeking CBI probe into all cases arising out of the Vyapam scam.

As the Supreme Court ordered an inquiry by the central agency, reports came from Bhopal of a special court being informed about the death of yet another witness in the scam.

The Special Task Force of MP police, which hitherto investigated the scam, told the court that Sanjay Singh Yadav, aged around 35, died from illness at a private hospital in Bhopal on February 8. According to his family, he was suffering from Hepatitis-B.

The Supreme Court, while issuing notices relating to the Governor that are returnable after four weeks, refrained from making any remarks on him when Kapil Sibal, appearing on behalf of petitioners demanded that Yadav demit office to maintain its dignity.

“We are not going to say anything on it,” it said.

The STF had registered a case against Yadav, a former Congressman appointed to the post by the previous UPA government, for favouring some candidates appearing for tests conducted by MP Professional Examination Board (MPPEB), also known as Vyapam. The high court, however, quashed it citing immunity from prosecution he enjoys while in office.

Yadav’s son Shailesh, an accused in the case who was alleged to have accepted bribe for rigging Vyapam examination to favour some candidates, was the most high-profile person linked to the scandal to have died in mysterious circumstances. His body was found at his father’s lucknow residence in March this year.

As soon as Sibal, appearing for Singh, submitted that it is a matter in which who’s who of MP is involved, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said the state has already moved the high court for a CBI probe and the matter has been deferred to July 20.

Rohatgi’s submission on MP government’s stand evoked a quick response from the bench which said, “The High Court wants to wash off its hand.”

“On CBI enquiry, instead of doing that, they are now saying that ball is in the Supreme Court,” the bench observed.

A beleagured Chouhan, whose credibility has been severely eroded following the scam, hailed the apex court’s order, saying,”I welcome it wholeheartedly. There was a burden on my heart.”

Speaking to journalists in Bhopal, Chouhan said he would request the CBI to begin investigation at the earliest “so the truth comes before the country, the people, and justice is done”.

He rejected Congress’ demand for his resignation. “They ask for it (his resignation) 5-6 times a day. To discredit Shivraj Chouhan, they have discredited the whole state. Probity in public life is my capital,” he said.

Referring to the probe conducted by the STF and SIT so far, Chouhan said,”It was my test by fire. Had I not wanted, investigation would not have happened. I wanted to set the system right.”

Not only Chouhan, political parties of all hues welcomed the decision.

Congress and AAP, while hailing the decision, also demanded that Chouhan step down to facilitate a fair probe.

“The victims have to be given justice. It is very important for the Chief Minister to step down for proper investigation to take place. It would be proper that the Chief Minister resigns as the control of police is with him as of today. If he gets a clean chit, then he can come back,” Congress spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said.

“We welcome the Supreme Court decision. We wanted the Supreme Court to monitor the case and we hope it monitors it,” he said.

AAP Spokesperson Ashish Khetan said by transferring the investigation to CBI, Supreme Court has expressed “dissatisfaction” with the probe conducted by state agencies.

“Now the Chief Minister is left with no moral authority to continue In his post,” he said.

Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh, one of the petitioners in the case, welcomed the apex court’s order.

“With this decision, the faith of the country in judiciary has increased. We are thankful to the Supreme Court,” he told reporters in Delhi soon after the verdict.

The BJP, however, patted Chouhan on the back for the apex court order.

“BJP wanted a CBI probe, BJP approached the court and the court has accepted it. We welcome it,” party spokesman Nalin Kohli said.

Kohli was quick to remind the Congress that an earlier petition filed by Digvijay Singh for a CBI probe had been rejected by the Supreme Court.

(PTI)

Vyapam scam: MBBS student Namrata’s death was homicide, reveals Autopsy

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Namrata Damor

Ujjain: MBBS student Namrata Damor, whose body was found near rail tracks in Ujjain district in 2012 after her name figured in the Vyapam scam, had died a “homicidal” death caused by “violent asphyxia as a result of smothering” and nail injuries were found on her face.

As Madhya Pradesh Police decided to reopen the case of her death, the doctors who conducted the post-mortem said they never mentioned in their report that it was a case of suicide.

Earlier police had registered a “murder” case in this regard and later termed the incident as an “accident” and closed the case, a police official said.

The post-mortem report, a copy of which is with PTI, describes Namrata’s cause of death, as “asphyxia (violent asphyxia)…as a result of smothering.”

The findings were suggestive of the death being “homicidal”, as per the autopsy report issued on January 9, 2012.

The post mortem report was signed by Dr B B Purohit (Forensic Medicine), Dr O P Gupta (Medical Officer) and Dr Anita Joshi (Gynaecologist).

Dr Purohit told PTI that “the panel of doctors that conducted the post-mortem has never mentioned in their short PM report as well as the detailed PM report that it was a case of suicide.”

“We also found nail injuries at three places on her face,” he said.

When the body was brought for postmortem, at that time it was unidentified, Dr Purohit said.

The report also advised for “histopathological examinations to rule out any sexual intercourse prior to death.”

The autopsy was conducted at district hospital in Ujjain.

Namrata’s body was found near railway tracks under Kaytha police station limits in Ujjain.

Her case came back to focus after the sudden death of TV journalist Akshay Singh in Jhabua district’s Meghnagar town recently after he interviewed Namrata’s father.

Ujjain District’s Superintendent of Police Manohar Singh Varma said, “We have ordered a review of the death of Namrata Damor. Sub Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP), Tarana, R K Sharma will reopen the case.”

Namrata was studying at the Government MGM Medical College in Indore and it was suspected that she took admission with the help of the racket involved in the high-profile Vyapam scam that is said to have claimed 45 lives so far.

Sadananda Gowda calls Vyapam scam a ‘silly issue’; says, no need for Modi to answer

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D V Sadananda Gowda

New Delhi: Union Law Minister DV Sadananda Gowda on Tuesday apparently termed Vyapam scam a “silly issue” and slammed the Opposition parties for make it an issue and demanding answer from the Prime Minister.

The shocking statement was given by Mr Gowda in response to the Opposition’s continuous demand that Mr Modi should break his silence on India’s worst ever recruitment scam, which has not only claimed the dozens of lives but also murdered the dreams of a complete generation of youth.

“The state has initiated probe. The deaths are a matter of concern, but law and order is state subject. See, the Prime Minister need not answer on silly issues,” Mr Gowda said.

“The concerned ministers and party president have answered. For each silly issue asking the Prime Minister to answer is not fair,” he added.

The central government had on Monday rejected calls for a CBI probe into this mega scam involving several prominent BJP politicians, bureaucrats and other influential persons.

The Congress, the AAP and the CPI-M, meanwhile, stepped up attacks on the central and Madhya Pradesh governments over the rising number of deaths in the recruitment scandal.

They demanded a CBI probe, but union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said there was no need for a CBI inquiry as the Special Investigation Team probing the scam reported to the Madhya Pradesh High Court, and not the state government.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear on July 9 a petition filed by senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh seeking a court-monitored CBI probe into Madhya Pradesh’s multi-crore Vyapam scam, in which more than two dozen accused and witnesses have died under mysterious circumstances.

Singh had earlier alleged complicity of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the MPPEB scam.

More than 40 people associated with the admission and recruitment racket in Vyapam have died since 2013 — either in mysterious circumstances or have committed suicide.

(Agencies)

Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeks CBI probe into Vyapam scam

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Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Bhopal: Bowing to public outcry, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said he will request the high court to order a CBI probe into the Vyapam case, including the large number of deaths of people allegedly linked to the scam.

Chouhan, who has been under opposition attack over the rising death toll, said people wanted to know the truth and it had become imperative that the case be probed by CBI now to put to rest all doubts.

The opposition has alleged that nearly 45 people having links with the Vyapam admission and recruitment scam have died since the investigation into the scandal began in July 2013. At least five people, including a journalist covering the scam, have died under mysterious circumstances in last one week.

Addressing a press conference, Chouhan rejected the Congress charge of his involvement in the scam, terming it as “baseless”.

“Honouring public sentiments, I will request the high court to order a CBI probe,” he said, noting that democracy is run on public acceptability. “The functioning of the government should be beyond any doubt,” he said.

Referring to the recent deaths and the public outcry for a thorough probe, Chouhan said many unfortunate events have occurred of late, including the journalist’s death, and that people have a right to know the truth.

Contending that it was not within his powers to order a CBI probe, the chief minister said the developments in the case demanded fair answers.

“I thought about the matter the whole night…The questions which have been raised need answers. It has become necessary now that CBI investigates the case,” he said.

Asked if he wanted a CBI probe into these unnatural deaths as well, he said the agency should probe all aspects of the case.

On Congress’ allegation about his involvement, he said all charges the opposition party had levelled against him in the case so far had been found to be wrong.

Chouhan, however, refrained from making any comment on Union Minister and former state Chief Minister Uma Bharti’s statement that she too felt “scared” over the deaths.

“She is like my elder sister and a very respected leader. I respect her a lot. I made no comment against her even when she was not in BJP,” he said.

(PTI)

Sub-inspector recruited through Vyapam commits suicide

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Vyapam

New Delhi: While the mystery behind the shocking deaths of witnesses/accused in Vyapam scam is yet to be unfolded, a trainee sub-inspector, Anamika Kushwaha, who was recruited through Vyapam reportedly committed suicide on Monday.

As per media reports, Anamika Kushwaha’s body was recovered from a pond in Madhya Pradesh.

Recently, TV Today journalist Akshay Singh and Jabalpur medical college dean Dr. Arun Sharma, who were probing the scam, had died under mysterious circumstances.

As per the list submitted by SIT to HC, so far nearly 23 unnatural deaths related to the scam have been reported.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has assured a fair probe in the case.

After the news of Anamika’s death broke out, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh tweeted: “Training Cop recruited through Vyapam commits suicide in Sagar Police Academy MP. 46th or 47th?”

(Agencies)

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