MPPEB scam: Ex-minister appears before STF

Former state minister Laxmikant Sharma and mining baron Sudhir Sharma today appeared before the Madhya Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) in connection with the MP Professional Examination Board (MPPEB) scam.
The STF had registered an FIR against the former minister and others sometime back in connection with the scam following alleged irregularities in the appointment of contractual teachers and also for other government services.
Former Higher and Technical Education Minister Laxmikant Sharma and Sudhir Sharma appeared before the STF for recording their statements in the matter, police sources said.
STF Additional Director General of Police (SDGP) Sudhir Shahi questioned the former minister on the issue, they said.

Laxmikant Sharma later told reporters outside the STF office, "I am innocent in the case. I came to know through newspaper reports that STF was looking for me following which I arrived today in its office for recording my statement."
"I will cooperate with the STF on the issue and would come again whenever the investigative agency will ask me to," he said. While Laxmikant was allowed to leave the STF office, the questioning of Sudhir Sharma was on in connection with the scam.
The MPPEB scam came to light in July this year after alleged irregularities were found in the state's Pre-Medical Test (PMT) and in recruitment for various government posts, including contractual teachers.

The state government today rejected the demand for a CBI inquiry into the scam.