Vyapam scam: SC hands over probe in all cases to CBI

The Supreme Court today ordered CBI probe into all Vyapam scam cases and alleged deaths related to it and also issued notice to the Centre, Madhya Pradesh Government and the Governor on a plea seeking his removal over his alleged involvement in the scandal.

The apex court's order transferring all Vyapam-related cases to the CBI came after the state government gave its consent to shifting investigation from the Special Investiation Team(SIT) and the Special Task Force (STF).

It issued notice and sought response of Centre and the state government on a plea for removal of Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav for his alleged involvement in the scam. The court also issued notice to the Governor.

A bench headed by Chief Justice H L Dattu clarified that all cases will be transferred to the CBI from Monday and the agency will file its report before it on July 24.

Before handing over the probe to the CBI, the apex court took on record the submission of Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, 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 death of people allegedly related to it, to CBI," the bench also comprising Justices Arun Mishra and Amitava Roy directed.