‘I Was Stopped’: Delhi Police Constable's Statement Raises Doubts Over Attempt of Evidence Tampering In Burnt Cash Scandal

Since the biggest ever judicial cash scandal broke out after a fire at Delhi HC judge Justice Yashwant Varma's residence led to accidental recovery of Rs 15 crore unaccounted cash, the controversy is yet to cool down. From Allahabad HC Bar Association launching indefinite strike over Supreme Court decision to transfer Justice Varma and launching an in-house committee to probe the allegations to a petition before apex court seeking FIR against him - series of events have put the credibility of Indian judiciary in crisis. Now, in the most recent development, the constable who was posted at Justice Varma's residence revealed that at the night of fire accident (March 14), he was stopped from entering the room where pile of cash was found later. In his statement to the Delhi Police, the constable said that only six fire officials and five officers from the Delhi Police were allowed access to the area following the incident. The constable’s statement raises concerns over the handling of the investigation scene and possible attempt to hide evidence.

Delhi Police security personnel have been stationed at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma amid the ongoing investigation. Justice Varma, a high-profile judicial figure, is entitled to Y-Grade protection with round-the-clock security from both Delhi Police and paramilitary forces.

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Who recorded the burnt cash video?

The shocking video footage of the pile of Rs 15 crore cash which was recorded after the fire was doused has been submitted to Delhi Police Commissioner's office. This video was reportedly recorded by one of the Delhi Police official and voice saying ‘Gandhiji Jal Rahe Hain’ is belongs to one of the fire department officials present at the scene, as per sources.

Sources have revealed that once the video became known to the relevant parties, internal orders were issued within the police force to delete the footage and ensure that no copies remained. Clear instructions were also given to prevent the video from being shared.

The reasons behind these deletion orders remain unclear, raising further concerns about the transparency and handling of the investigation. While it is still uncertain whether deleting the video was an attempt to destroy evidence, the incident has undeniably raised questions about public trust in India's judiciary.

Meanwhile, despite multiple videos emerging online, Justice Yashwant Varma has denied the allegations in a statement, insisting that neither he nor his family members have stored any money in the storeroom. The Delhi HC judge said, “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.”

Currently, the Supreme Court has formed a three-judge committee to look into the matter.

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