CBI chief files affidavit in sealed cover in SC

The apex court had earlier directed Sinha to respond to the allegations made on him via an affidavit within ten days

CBI director Ranjit Sinha, who has come under scrutiny for allegedly entertaining accused in 2G and coal scams at his official residence here, today filed his affidavit responding to allegations levelled against him in a sealed envelope before the Supreme Court.

The affidavit has been filed in compliance of the order of the apex court which had on September 8 directed him to respond to the averments made against him, holding that they were 'serious' in nature.

The court had asked the CBI director to file the affidavit, saying, "Whatever you want to tell us, tell us in black and white."

The matter will be taken up for further hearing on September 15.

During the last hearing, the bench had taken serious objection to Sinha's reluctance to file an affidavit on merits of the allegations and had directed him to file his response on a plea for a direction to the Centre to take steps for his removal and for ordering an SIT probe against him for allegedly abusing his authority.

The bench had taken on record a register of entry list/ guest list at the CBI director's residence which was handed over by advocate Prashant Bhushan in a sealed envelope.

Bhushan had submitted that some unknown persons had turned up at his residence and had given him the documents without revealing their identities.

He had pleaded before the court to take the documents on record in safe custody as these may be destroyed.

The bench had also taken on record a list of 23 ITBP officials and four CBI constables, who were manning the gate of the director's residence at 2, Janpath here.

Bhushan, counsel for NGO, Centre for Public Interest Litigation, has alleged that several accused and officials of accused companies in the 2G scam and other cases have been frequent visitors to Sinha's residence.

He has also alleged that Sinha was trying to protect some accused and sought his removal from the post.