CBI Files FIR Against Three NCB Officials for Alleged Extortion from Marble Trader in Rajasthan

Synopsis

The CBI has filed an FIR against three NCB officials in connection with an opium recovery case involving allegations of extortion against a marble trader in Rajasthan. The case has led to accusations of corruption between the NCB and Rajasthan Police.

Key Takeaways

CBI registers FIR against three NCB officials.
Accusations include wrongful confinement and extortion.
Conflict arose from a 2022 opium seizure case.
Both NCB and Rajasthan Police accused each other.
Court orders led to CBI inquiry into allegations.

New Delhi, April 22 (NationPress) In a case involving opium recovery that has placed the Rajasthan Police at odds with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the CBI has launched an FIR against three NCB officials for suspected wrongful confinement, criminal conspiracy, and the solicitation of unlawful benefits from a public servant, as reported by an official on Tuesday.

The Jodhpur unit of the CBI initiated the FIR on Monday, naming the NCB officials - Khiya Ram, Bhagwan Sahay Meena, and Bhagirath Jat.

This FIR is a result of a CBI preliminary inquiry into a unique case where members from both the NCB and Rajasthan Police leveled accusations against one another involving extortion, blackmail, and corruption following the confiscation of 5 kg of opium in 2022, according to an official statement on Tuesday.

The CBI conducted the preliminary investigation under the direction of the Rajasthan High Court to resolve the conflict between the two investigative agencies, each claiming criminal responsibility regarding the illicit substance involved.

The controversy revolves around the opium seizure in 2022, allegedly involving contractor Kuldeep Panwar and his brother, who operates in the marble and granite sector. The brother accused the NCB officials of attempting to extort Rs 30 lakh by threatening to frame them. Following his complaint that NCB officials accepted a bribe of Rs 5 lakh, the state police registered an FIR in June 2022 at the Chupasni Housing Board police station.

Conversely, the NCB accused the state police of engaging in the illegal drug trade and attempting to shield the true perpetrator, Sumer Singh, who was under surveillance for allegedly planning to deliver 8-10 kg of opium in Jodhpur.

The FIR filed by the CBI on Monday states, “Following the HC orders on July 26, 2024, preliminary enquiry No. PE0312024A0002 was initiated, leading to findings of criminality under U/s 120-B r/w 342, 384 of IPC and section 7 of PC Act, 1988 (amended in 2018) attributed to NCB officials.”

During the inquiry, it was disclosed that no FIR had been filed by the NCB in Jodhpur.

When requesting the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry, Justice Arun Monga left the possibility open for either party to seek recourse.

“It is important to note that both NCB and State Police officials implicated in the cross-cases retain the right to pursue legal remedies should any party feel wronged by the CBI's preliminary findings,” Justice Monga remarked while concluding the matter on September 7, 2024.