A top Union Home Affairs Ministry official could face action for allegedly attempting to stall the arrest of the former Union Minister Matang Sinh in the Saradha scam last Saturday. The Ministry is now conducting an investigation against the official.
The high-ranking officer and a senior police officer with the CBI are alleged to have made calls to the special investigation team of the agency before the arrest. The team was asked to proceed with the arrest with caution, sources said. The alleged interference is being viewed as an attempt to stall the arrest.
“There is nothing concrete in hand yet. The allegation is based on hearsay. If it is substantive only then can we take action,” Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said. Home Ministry sources, however, hinted at stern action if the initial inquiry found the allegation to be true. The official’s tenure could be curtailed and other punitive steps taken.
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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is learnt to have indicated that he would not shield the official. Informed sources said Mr. Singh was apprised of the reports. “He reacted by saying that the official concerned will reap what he has sown,” a Ministry source in the know of the developments said.