Was Cash-in-Fire Evidence Validated in the Justice Varma Case?

Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, a recent inquiry into Justice Yashwant Varma's residence fire has unveiled the presence of burnt cash. With compelling video evidence and witness testimonies, the case raises significant questions about judicial integrity and accountability. Explore the details of this unfolding story.
Key Takeaways
- Burnt cash was discovered in Justice Varma's residence.
- Forensic validation of video evidence supports witness testimonies.
- The inquiry recommends impeachment for serious misconduct.
- Justice Varma has not disputed the video authenticity.
- Ten witnesses corroborated the presence of burnt currency.
New Delhi, May 30 (NationPress) A voice captured in a video by a Delhi Fire Services officer at the site of the fire in the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma on March 14 can be heard stating, “Gandhi jal rahe hain, bhai,” clearly alluding to the Rs 500 notes featuring Mahatma Gandhi’s image.
According to sources, these remarks are included in the Supreme Court's internal inquiry report recommending the initiation of proceedings to remove Justice Varma from his position.
The inquiry, conducted by a panel of three judges, confirms the discovery of a significant amount of burnt money in a storage area of Justice Varma’s official residence located at 30 Tughlak Crescent, New Delhi, as per insider information.
The investigation involved testimonies from 55 witnesses, revealing that Justice Varma failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the origin of the cash, leading to recommendations for his impeachment due to serious misconduct, according to informed sources.
Among the key pieces of evidence presented in the report are two mobile recordings made by Delhi police head constables, which have been validated by the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory in Chandigarh, insiders disclosed.
Justice Varma has not contested the legitimacy of either video. One recording features a voice from the Delhi Fire Services stating, “Mahatma Gandhi me aag lag rahi hai bhai,” interpreted by the committee as a direct observation of burning Rs 500 notes.
The videos also captured audio of Justice Varma's domestic staff being called, with one domestic worker admitting he was present at the entrance when the fire erupted, noting he saw “huge stacks” inside the residence.
With 10 out of the 55 witnesses corroborating the existence of burnt cash, along with multiple video evidences supporting their testimonies, the committee found substantial inferential proof that the cash was stored on the premises and later removed, sources added. The report concludes that the misconduct identified is serious enough to justify proceedings for the judge’s removal from office.