Vyapam scam: SC satisfied over progress of probe by CBI

CJI observed that deaths have stopped in Vyapam scam since SC took over the matter and entrusted the case to CBI

The Supreme Court today expressed satisfaction over the "substantial progress" made by the CBI in its investigation into the Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh.

"We have gone through the status report. We are satisfied that there is some substantial progress made by the CBI in these cases," a bench, comprising Chief Justice H L Dattu and Justices S A Bobde and Amitava Roy, said after perusing the report of the progress into the probe filed by the agency in a sealed cover.

Before passing the order, the CJI also observed that "I really wonder how deaths have completely stopped in Vyapam scam since apex court took over the matter on July 9 and entrusted the case to the CBI and monitored the probe."

When the petition was filed in the matter, it was stated that already 36 persons connected allegedly with the Vyapam scam have died and on July 9 when it was heard for the first time, the court was informed that it had climbed to 49.

However, the apex court had gone by the figure mentioned in the petition and said "we would not allow it to go up from 36 to 38."

In the today's hearing, the bench also took on record the status report of the Centre filed through Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi regarding filling of posts and creation of new posts in the CBI.

The bench also asked Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar to consider the plea of one of the petitioners, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, that CBI should be handed over all other complaints pending with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and Special Task Force (STF).

It also asked the CBI to consider the submission of senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for his party colleague, to consider that all status reports filed by the state government probe agencies in Madhya Pradesh High Court be handed over to the CBI.

The bench posted the matter for further hearing on November 23 and noted the submission of the Attorney General that in four weeks from now all the process of appointments and filling of vacancies would be streamlined and made smooth.