Saradha Scam: SC rebukes CBI over 6-year delay in case against Rajeev Kumar

Drama unfolded in the Supreme Court during the hearing of the Saradha Chit Fund scam case, as the court expressed strong displeasure over the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) attempt to revive a matter related to former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajiv Kumar after a delay of six years. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) conveyed stern disapproval, questioning the investigative agency about the reasons for the sudden urgency in a case that had seemingly gone dormant for half a decade.

The case pits the CBI against Rajiv Kumar, who was instrumental in the initial Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the massive financial scandal. The current contention centers on the CBI's move against Kumar, which his legal team has vehemently opposed, calling it an attempt to damage his professional reputation.

Kumar's lawyer argued strongly in court, asserting that the sudden revival of the case after such a substantial time lapse is a clear effort to "tarnish the clean image" of his client. The defense highlighted that the inordinate delay itself raises serious questions about the motives behind the CBI’s present actions, suggesting political or extraneous factors at play.

The Chief Justice, visibly frustrated by the delay, questioned the CBI on why the matter was suddenly brought before the Supreme Court six years after the alleged inaction or lapse occurred. This pointed interrogation puts the investigative agency on the defensive, demanding a satisfactory explanation for the prolonged silence on a high-profile corruption case.