In a latest move involving CBI and Kolkata Police Commissioner – Rajeev Kumar, the Supreme Court has said that no coercive action, including the arrest of Rajeev Kumar, should take place during investigations. The Apex Court has also directed Rajeev Kumar to faithfully cooperate with CBI.
The Supreme Court has told CBI to question Mr. Kumar at a neutral venue in Shillong. CBI will now form a team, which will be sent to Shillong. In the meantime, CBI will also send a notice to Kolkata Police Commissioner by the end of this week and call him to Shillong. Rajeev Kumar has been accused of destroying evidences related to chit-fund scams involving the Kolkata based Sarda Group and Rose Valley.
Both West Bengal Government and the CBI have said that the Supreme Court verdict is in their favour.
The Chief Minister of West Bengal – Mamata Banerjee, said, “The Supreme Court’s order is a victory of the common man, democracy and the Constitution. We really welcome the [Supreme Court] verdict. It is absolutely correct. Our case is very strong. We never said we will not cooperate. This is political vendetta.”
She further added, “We always respect the law and feel that things should run as per the law. But, if someone tries to destroy the pillars on which democracy stands, then there would be nothing left of the democratic process that we are so proud of.”
The BJP National General Secretary – Kailash Vijayvargiya has sought the resignation of Mamata Banerjee. He has said, “The SC verdict is a victory of democracy. Mamata Banerjee should immediately tender resignation.”
Besides, the members of All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) were seen yesterday at the dharna site, carrying posters which stated, “Modi Bharat Chodo”. Mamata Banerjee has been on dharna since the evening of Sunday, February 3, 2019, after a team of 8 CBI officials who had gone to the bungalow of Rajeev Kumar to question him, were rounded-up and detained by Kolkata Police. They were later released and had returned to Delhi.
Mamata’s protest against the Modi Government has received positive response from several opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party President – Akhilesh Yadav, The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh & National President of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) – Chandrababu Naidu, DMK MP – Kanimohzi and RJD Chief – Tejaswhi Yadav.
