Updated March 23rd 2025, 19:41 IST
New Delhi: The investigation into Justice Yashwant Varma's cash row has shed light on a complex web of corruption, pointing towards a fixer gang operating in the National Capital Region (NCR). The probe, led by the central agency, has intensified its focus on a prominent real estate developer and a lawyer, who are now under the scanner.
The controversy surrounding Justice Yashwant Varma began when a massive pile of charred cash was recovered from his official bungalow. The Supreme Court released a detailed inquiry report, which revealed that the cash was found in an outhouse, adjacent to the main building where the judge and his family reside. The report also included a video shared by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, showing burnt cash in the room.
The central agency has intensified its probe against the real estate developer, who is suspected of having links with the fixer gang. The agency is investigating the source of the cash and the role of the lawyer, who is believed to have facilitated the transactions. "We are examining the evidence to determine the extent of their involvement and the source of the cash," said a senior official from the central agency.
As the investigation progresses, the central agency is working to uncover the full extent of the corruption. The case has raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the real estate sector and the need for stricter regulations. "The government needs to take a closer look at the real estate sector and implement stricter regulations to prevent such cases of corruption," said a real estate expert.
Earlier, sources made a shocking revelation in the Justice Yashwant Varma cash row, claiming that junior officers of the Delhi Police recorded a video of the cash being burnt, only to be instructed to delete it later. The video, which allegedly captured crucial evidence, was initially shared with senior officials, but its existence was later denied, raising questions about the handling and transparency of the investigation.
Also Read | SUPREME COURT ACCEPTS CORRUPTION: 5 Sacks of Cash in Justice Varma’s House, 25 Page Report Stuns
The controversy erupted on March 14, 2025, when a fire broke out at Justice Yashwant Varma's official residence, located at 30, Tughlak Crescent, New Delhi. According to a report by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, the fire started in a storeroom adjacent to the judge's office, which was accessible to household staff and maintenance personnel. The initial fire report cited "stationery" as being burnt in the storeroom, but a newly surfaced video has contradicted this claim, showing sacks of cash engulfed in flames.
The video, which has been described as the "clincher" in the case, shows firemen navigating through charred currency notes after extinguishing the blaze. One of the firemen is heard remarking, "Gandhi mein aag lag rahi hai bhai," in reference to Mahatma Gandhi's image on the burning notes. The video also captures firemen removing the burnt cash after successfully dousing the flames.
The Supreme Court has launched a probe into the allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, but the investigation has been marred by a lack of transparency and accountability. The court has directed the collection of Call Detail Records (CDR) and Internet Data Protocol Records (IPDR) from Justice Varma's mobile devices for the past six months. However, the court's decision to transfer Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court has been criticised as inadequate, with many calling for his suspension and a thorough investigation.
As the investigation continues, the Bar Associations across the country have expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court's decision, criticizing the lack of transparency and accountability.
The Justice Yashwant Varma cash row has raised serious questions about the integrity of the judiciary and the need for accountability and reforms. Senior Advocate Harish Salve has launched a scathing critique of the judicial system, demanding accountability and urgent reforms. "Judges are like Caesar's wives and must be above suspicion," he asserted, emphasizing that simply moving a judge suspected of wrongdoing does not resolve the issue.
Salve further accused the judiciary of maintaining "double standards," arguing that if the allegations were serious enough to warrant action, the appropriate step should have been a suspension from judicial duties and an impartial inquiry. "This was a moment to show transparency. Sunlight is the best disinfectant," he said, calling for a thorough investigation.
Also Read | Judge Cash Video: Anger in Bar Associations Across Country Over SC's Decision to Transfer Justice Varma
After the allegations of a large sum of cash being burnt at Justice Yashwant Varma surfaced, the Chief Justice of India directed the Delhi High Court to seek clarification from Justice Varma, who denied any knowledge of the cash, calling the allegations "preposterous" and suggesting a conspiracy to malign his reputation. Justice Varma stated that the storeroom was commonly used for storage and was accessible to staff and personnel.
The controversy has raised questions about the origin of the cash and the circumstances surrounding the fire incident. The incident has sparked a heated debate about judicial integrity and accountability.
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Published March 23rd 2025, 19:03 IST