Burning Cash Scam: 5 Versions From Fire Cops to Justice Varma as Video of Charred Notes Stuns India

New Delhi: Different versions of conflicting statements from fire cops to Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma have emerged amid the ongoing controversy over the unaccounted burnt cash found at the Justice's residence. With conflicting reports, video evidence, and strong denials from Varma, the case has raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability within the Indian judiciary.

1.Omitted Details in the Fire Report

On March 14, a massive fire engulfed at Varma's residence. The report, initially submitted by fire department officials, makes no mention of the large sum of money allegedly found at the scene. Instead, it describes the fire as involving "stationery and domestic articles in a storeroom," conveniently omitting any reference to the cash stash.  

Also read | 'Gandhi Mein Aag Lag Rahi Hai Bhai’: What Fireman Said Seeing Burning Cash At Justice Varma's Home

However, as per a video accessed by Republic shows heaps of burnt cash inside Justice Varma’s house and firemen can be seen removing the burnt currency after the flames were doused.

As the firemen surveyed the scene, one of them was heard saying, "Gandhi Mein Aag Lag Rahi Hai Bhai" (The notes are burning).

2. Fire Chief Atul Garg's Dwindling Statements

Delhi Fire Services Director Atul Garg initially stated that no cash was found during the firefighting operations.  

Calling the matter 'sensitive,' DFS Director Atul Garg said, "No cash was recovered in front of the Delhi Fire Service team… After dousing the fire, we handed over the spot to the police. My team is denying any claims of cash being present at the spot when they were carrying out operations."

However, hours later, when asked IANS about the ongoing inquiry, Garg stated that he never told the media that firefighters had reported no cash at the scene.  

"I don’t know why," he added, "but I have already sought clarification from the media carrying the statement."  

"The statement being run by PTI is not my statement."

Alos read | Did SC Collegium led by CJI Let Down Justice? Decision to Transfer Faces Backlash After Judge Cash Video Emerges

3. 'Preposterous': Justice Varma Denies Allegations

Amid reports of cash being found at his residence, Justice Yashwant Varma strongly denied the allegations leveled against him.  

"I state unequivocally that no cash was ever placed in that storeroom either by me or any of my family members and strongly denounce the suggestion that the alleged cash belonged to us. The very idea or suggestion that this cash was kept or stored by us is totally preposterous. The suggestion that one would store cash in an open, freely accessible, and commonly used storeroom near the staff quarters or in an outhouse verges on the incredible and incredulous. It is a room completely disassociated from my living areas, and a boundary wall demarcates my living area from that outhouse. I only wish that the media had conducted some inquiry before I came to be indicted and defamed in the press,” said Justice Yashwant Varma, as quoted in the High Court Chief Justice's report.

4. Video Shows Charred Cash at Justice Varma's House

The Supreme Court on Saturday released a 25-page report confirming that cash was found at Justice Varma's house on March 14. The apex court also uploaded videos and photographs of the site.

The video reportedly shows officers at Justice Varma’s residence wading through large piles of charred cash, raising questions about where the cash came from and why it was found in the first place.  

5. Supreme Court Confirms Reports of Money at Vamra's Residence, Constitutes 3-Member Committee

The Chief Justice of India (CJI), Sanjiv Khanna, constituted a three-member committee to probe the matter. The committee, which includes Chief Justices from Punjab & Haryana , Himachal Pradesh , and Karnataka High Courts, has been tasked with investigating the allegations and determining whether any judicial or official misconduct occurred.  

The apex court also released a 25-page report prepared by Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, which included Justice Varma's denial of the cash allegations. The report also revealed that Justice Varma had been instructed to preserve all phone records and communications related to the case.  

As the investigation progresses, Justice Varma has been temporarily relieved of his judicial duties, with the Supreme Court directing that he not be assigned any further work until the inquiry is completed. This move highlights the gravity of the situation and signals that the matter will be handled with the utmost scrutiny.