Saradha scam: CBI all set to take 'strict action' against Rajeev Kumar

For how long will former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar play hide and seek with Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)? Despite three summons, Rajeev Kumar hasn’t turned up for investigations in the Saradha chit fund scam, and this after he enjoys no protection from arrest. Top sources within the agency have now confirmed that CBI is all set to take “strict action” against the former top cop. Republic TV has also learned that CBI has constituted a special team which is on the lookout for Rajeev Kumar. 

"After writing a letter to the DGP of West Bengal, we also wrote a letter to the lawyer of Rajeev Kumar yesterday and asked him to direct Kumar to join the investigation. He has not appeared today and now we have no option but to take strict measures against him," sources told Republic TV on Tuesday.

READ | Saradha case: CBI inquires about Rajeev Kumar at Bengal Secretariat

One of the immediate measures available before CBI is to secure a non-bailable warrant against Kumar. West Bengal DGP Virendra Kumar also responded to CBI’s letter asking him to direct Rajeev Kumar to join the Saradha probe. Sources further say that the DGP has told CBI that an official communication has been sent to the official residence of Rajeev Kumar and his response awaited. The DGP has also told CBI that Rajeev Kumar has gone on leave from September 9 to September 25.

READ | West Bengal Govt writes to CBI as fmr CP Rajeev Kumar ignores summon

Rajeev Kumar, through his counsel, has communicated to DGP that he is pursuing legal remedies after the Calcutta High Court order rejected his interim protection. In fact, after the first summon, Rajeev Kumar wrote an email to CBI seeking more time to join the probe on the ground that his wife is unwell.  

According to sources in the agency, the former top cop, who was heading the SIT probe, was involved in tampering of evidence and shielding few politicians in the Saradha and Rose Valley Chit fund scams. Rajeev Kumar was earlier called for questioning after the court had intervened. CBI has always maintained that custodial interrogation of Rajeev Kumar is crucial since there was prima facie evidence of him allegedly trying to destroy or tamper with the evidence to protect the accused in the case.

READ | Rajeev Kumar's anticipatory bail plea: No relief from sessions court

READ | Saradha Scam: Rajeev Kumar seeks 1-month to appear at CBI; wife unwell