HC directs Centre to give protection to witness in graft case

The Delhi High Court today asked the Centre to give protection to a prime witness in a graft case related to tender deals worth crores of rupees in Assam Rifles (AR).
50-year-old C C Mathew, a resident of Kerala moved a plea before Justice Pratibha Rani, saying he "apprehends danger to his life in case he attends and deposes before the court of inquiry in Assam".
The court, however, refused to order recording of Mathew's statement here, while disposing of the plea.
It asked the Centre to provide security to Mathew while he visits Assam and till his return to Delhi.

In his plea, Mathew said that his statement be recorded here instead of Assam or as an alternative he be provided protection as he feared a threat to his life.
Mathew's plea was opposed by Central Government Standing Counsel Anil Soni, saying the matter is not concerned to Delhi and he can move Kolkata High Court for the same.

Soni along with advocate Nagendar Benipal said, "Assam Rifles' office is not in Delhi so he needs to attend the inquiry there only."
Tehelka carried out a sting operation named 'Operation Hilltop' with help of Mathew, to show how corruption has spread its wings across the top of AR.

Mathew, working as store keeper technician with AR took voluntary retirement in 2005, had found absolute corruption in the functioning of the organisation while awarding contract to third parties.
"Since the conscience does not permit the petitioner to be a mute spectator of the illegalities while he was carrying on his petty business after his retirement, the petitioner contacted Tehelka," the plea said.