Vyapam scam accused Sudhir Sharma sent to STF custody

Bhopal court today sent Vyapam Scam accused Union minister for Housing and Urban Development Sudhir Sharma to Special Task Force (STF) custody till July 30.

STF's Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) D S Baghel confirmed the report.

"There are around six to seven accused in Vyapam scam. As of now Sharma is on remand and will be arrested after further investigation. There are no other allegations on him related to taking of money apart from fake admissions," said Baghel.

Sudhir Sharma had yesterday surrendered before a Bhopal court over his involvement in the Vyapam scam.

Sharma was given an ultimatum to present himself in court before July 28 by CJM Pankaj Singh Maheshwari during a last hearing on July 22.

A cash award of Rs 5000 was also declared on any information leading to his arrest by the probe agency.

The Madhya Pradesh Recruitment Scam or Vyapam Scam pertains to manipulation in the selection process for government jobs conducted by the MP Professional Examination Board (MPPEB), which is being probed by the Special Task Force (STF).

The STF had on December 18, lodged two FIRs against former State Technical Education Minister Laxmikant Sharma and 129 others in connection with alleged irregularities in the examination for the recruitment of Grade II and III Contractual Teachers conducted by MPPEB.