Sukh Ram Refuses To Take Lie Detector Test

Former union minister Sukh Ram has refused to undergo a 'lie detector test' in the course of CBI investigations against him.

CBI sources said yesterday that contrary to reports that Sukh Ram had cleared a lie detector test, the main accused had refused to undergo the test. Under the present law, Sukh Ram's consent is necessary for subjecting him to a lie detector test.

He seems to have adopted a totally uncooperative attitude to the investigating agencies and is refusing to answer questions about the telecom deals,'' sources said. He was insisting that the officials consult various documents and files and claimed he had not favoured any person or firm while allotting tenders or contracts, the sources said.

 

They said Sukh Ram's personal staff and former were being qyestioned, adding that the CBI was examining the possibility of questioning Rama Devi, Sukh Ram's wife, about the huge amounts of cash and jewellery recovered from their residences and bank lockers in Delhi, Mandi, Kullu and Shimla.

Sukh Ram has been shifted from CBI's Lok Nayak Bhavan cell to the investigating agency's headquarters in the Lodhi Estate complex.

The former telecommunications minister's interrogation continued for the ninth day yesterday. The investigating team, led by H S Sandhu (SP), questioned Sukh Ram on the allegations of favour shown to some telecom companies of Himachal Pradesh in allotment of contracts.

The investigators also questioned the suspended Congressman about his interests in various properties he is believed acquired in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh during his tenure at Sanchar Bhavan.

Sukh Ram has been denying the allegations against him, sources said, adding that he often asks for some resting time during the interrogation on the plea of his poor health. A doctor has been employed to examine Sukh Ram at regular intervals as well as for any emergency.

Popularly known as ''panditji'' among the people of his constituency,Sukh Ram seems to have become very religious in CBI custody and goes into ''puja sessions'' regularly, even during interrogation.

Sources said according to the court's directions, Sukh Ram's lawyer Dinesh Mathur is allowed to meet him once a day. However, none of his family members are allowed see him, although his food comes from his house. Sources said Sukh Ram appears relaxed, cheerful and in better health.al="/incs/right.asp"-->