Naidunia Correspondent, Raipur | Since the formation of Chhattisgarh in 2000, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been entrusted with the investigation of several high-profile criminal, corruption, and political cases, but the majority of them have yet to reach a final judicial conclusion.
Charge sheets were filed in some cases, influential individuals were questioned and arrested, while in many cases, the charges failed to be proven in court.
Now, with the CBI being entrusted with the probe of the infamous triple murder case in Korea district, the debate about the agency's efficiency and its results has once again intensified.
Black Sea And Jaggi Murder Cases During Jogi's Tenure
After the formation of the state, the CBI was first entrusted with the investigation of the "Black Sea" counterfeit currency case and the Ram Avtar Jaggi murder case during the Ajit Jogi government's tenure. Following the trial court's verdict in the Jaggi murder case, the case reached the High Court and then the Supreme Court, where a final decision is still pending.
Final Outcome Pending In Some Cases
Similarly, the outcome of investigations into approximately 12 cases, including the Colour Doppler scam, the 2011 arson attacks in tribal villages of Tadmetla-Morpalli and Sukma, the obscene CD scandal, the Jhiram incident, the Mahadev app, the CGPSC scam, the murder of journalist Sushil Pathak, and the murder of journalist Umesh Rajput.
Investigation Of Journalist Murder Cases
The CBI was entrusted with the investigation of sensitive cases, including the 2020 murder of journalist Sushil Pathak in Bilaspur and the 2011 killing of media person Umesh Rajput in Gariaband district, the Colour Doppler scam, the Tadmetla-Morpalli arson, the alleged obscene CD scandal, and the Jhiram incident. A charge sheet was filed in the Colour Doppler scam, but no final conviction was delivered. Meanwhile, a special court acquitted former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in the obscene CD case. However, the case is back under judicial consideration following an appeal by the CBI.
The then Congress government withdrew the CBI's general consent in 2019, preventing the agency from directly investigating new cases. This consent was restored after the BJP government came to power in 2024, following which the central probing agency was entrusted with the investigation of high-profile cases such as the CGPSC recruitment scam, the Mahadev online betting app, the Biranpur violence, and the Divyang Kalyan Fund embezzlement.
Arrests In CGPSC, Mahadev Investigation Ongoing
Several officials, businessmen, and selected candidates have been arrested in the CGPSC recruitment scam, and chargesheets have been filed. The CBI's investigation into the Mahadev online betting app and Divyang Kalyan Fund embezzlement cases is still ongoing.
BL Agarwal Bribery Scandal: CBI's Charges Fail In Court
The CBI failed to secure a successful verdict in the high-profile bribery case involving BL Agarwal, a senior 1998 batch IAS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre. In 2017, the agency alleged that Agarwal had conspired to bribe Rs 1.5 crore to influence the investigation against him. However, despite the arrest and filing of the charge sheet, the prosecution was unable to prove its allegations in court.
Eyes On CBI As It Takes Over Korea Triple Murder Case
The CBI will now investigate the Naugai (Katgodi) triple murder case in Korea district. The state government granted permission for the CBI probe on June 30. Police arrested all nine accused in the murder of BJP leader Bharat Singh Gaharwar alias Lalla and his two associates, and the burning of their bodies along with their vehicle. The CBI will now be responsible for conducting a fair and comprehensive investigation, raising hopes for the victims' families.
(With Naidunia Inputs)