Saradha scam: SC withdraws interim protection to Rajeev Kumar, gets 7 days to seek protection

Delhi | Friday | 17th May, 2019

Summary:

On February 5, the apex court had granted protection from arrest to Kumar while asking him to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate into the probe.

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The Supreme court on Friday lifted its protection to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar from CBI arrest over his role in destroying evidence in Saradha chit fund case.

The bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi gave 7 days time to Rajiv Kumar for seeking legal approach.

"We have withdrawn the protection given to Rajeev Kumar vide order dated February 5," the court said.

The court also said that after 7 days CBI can act in accordance with the law.

Kumar is allegedly involved in destroying evidence in Saradha chit fund case that CBI is probing.

"Our February 5 order will continue for seven days from today to enable Rajeev Kumar to approach the competent court for relief," he said.

In its application, the CBI had sought custodial interrogation of Kumar, who was earlier leading the West Bengal Police`s special investigation team (SIT) investigating the chit fund scam case.

The SC had directed the CBI to probe the matter in May 2014.

On February 5, the apex court had granted protection from arrest to Kumar while asking him to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate into the probe.

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