Court rejects Virbhadra's plea seeking documents in assets case

A court here on Wednesday dismissed a plea of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, accused in a disproportionate assets case, seeking complete documents related to the FIR registered against him.

Special Judge Vinod Kumar rejected Virbhadra Singh's plea seeking complete records of the preliminary inquiry, on the basis of which the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a first information report (FIR).

"The preliminary inquiry is conducted only with a purpose to know as to whether the case is fit for registration of regular investigation," the court said.

"FIR is the starting point of investigation. If any document or annexure has not been made a part of the FIR, a copy of the same is not required to be supplied to any accused."

In his plea, Virbhadra Singh alleged that the CBI did not furnish a complete copy of the FIR against him and his wife.

Meanwhile, the CBI submitted the complete documents in a sealed cover to the court.

In June, the CBI initiated a preliminary inquiry against Virbhadra Singh and his wife on the charge of acquiring assets disproportionate to known sources of income during his tenure as the union steel minister.

The case was registered on September 23 under the Prevention of Corruption Act against the former union minister, his wife Pratibha Singh, LIC agent Anand Chauhan and an associate Chunnilal.

The CBI raided Virbhadra Singh's residences in Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, including Holly Lodge in Jakhu Hills of Shimla, on September 26 while he and his family were busy with his daughter's marriage.