CBI terms Munde's death accidental, formally charges taxi-driver

Ruling out any foul play in the death of union minister Gopinath Munde, who died in a car crash here six months ago, the CBI Thursday filed a charge sheet against taxi driver Gurvinder Singh for rash and negligent driving.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) charge sheeted Gurvinder Singh under sections 279 (rash driving) and 304-A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code.

"If found guilty, Gurvinder Singh will have to undergo a prison sentence of a maximum of two years," said a CBI official.

Munde's car was hit by Singh's taxi at the Prithviraj Road-Tughlak Road roundabout in the heart of the high security Lutyen's Zone when the minister was on his way to the Indira Gandhi Airport June 3.

Gurvinder Singh, 32, had alleged that the minister's driver had jumped the traffic signal, causing the crash.

Delhi Police had registered a case against Gurvinder Singh and the case was later handed over to the CBI.

Munde, 64, a popular backward class leader from Maharashtra, died due to shock and haemorrhage following injuries in his neck and liver in the road accident, the CBI said in its report, ruling out any foul play.

"Investigation was conducted to find out if any foul play or criminal conspiracy was involved in the death of Munde. During the probe a through scrutiny of all possible leads and angles was conducted," it said.

"The antecedents and movements of suspected persons and all persons associated with the minister were verified. However, the probe has clearly ruled out any foul play in the death of Munde and it has been concluded that he died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident," the CBI report maintained.