CBI to probe all Vyapam scam cases and deaths: SC

The Supreme Court today ordered transfer of probe into all Vyapam scam cases and the deaths allegedly linked to it to CBI and sought response from Madhya Pradesh Government on why an FIR should not be lodged against the Governor for his purported involvement in the scandal.
Issuing notices to the Centre, Madhya Pradesh Government and Governor Ram Naresh Yadav on the plea seeking his removal from gubernatorial post, the apex court transferred the probe of all cases and alleged deaths connected to it from the the Special Investiation Team(SIT) and the Special Task Force (STF) to the CBI as the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government "acceded" to the demand.

A bench headed by Chief Justice H L Dattu clarified that all cases related to the massive admission and recruitment scandal will be transferred to the CBI from Monday and the agency will file its report before it on July 24.
It issued notice to the CBI and sought its response within two weeks on the plea that the investigation into the cases arising out of the scam should be monitored by the apex court.
The bench was critical of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which had refused yesterday deferred hearing on the ground that the matter was before the apex court.

The response came after Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said the state has already moved the high court for CBI probe and the matter was fixed for July 20.

"The High Court wants to wash off its hand. On CBI enquiry, instead of doing that, they are now saying that ball is in the Supreme Court," the bench observed.
The AG said, "We have acceded to CBI probe and for it to be monitored by the Supreme Court is entirely upto you (apex court)."
Before handing over the probe to the CBI, the apex court took on record the submission of the Attorney General, who on behalf of the MP government, said that the state has no objection on transferring the investigation of cases relating to Vyapam scam to CBI and the cases related to the deaths of people allegedly related to the scam for free and fair probe.

"The Attorney General (AG) on instruction states that MP govt has no objection whatsoever for transferring the investigation of criminal cases relating to Vyapam scam to the CBI and the cases related to deaths of those allegedly connected with the scam for free and fair probe.
"We appreciate the stand of the AG. In view of the above we transfer investigation of all criminal cases relating to Vyapam scam and deaths of people allegedly related to it, to CBI for free and fair probe," the bench also comprising Justices Arun Mishra and Amitava Roy said.
Congress has alleged that 49 persons linked to the Vyapam scam have died under mysterious circumstances, a charge refuted by the state government.