The CBI on Thursday arrested BJP MLA Rajendra Rathore, a former Rajasthan minister, and chargesheeted him swiftly over the alleged fake encounter death of local liquor smuggler Dara Singh in 2006. A court later remanded him to judicial custody till April 9.
The BJP reacted sharply, describing it an example of the “misuse” of the investigative agency, and called statewide protests on Saturday. Senior BJP leaders, including former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, assembled at the state party office to express full support for Mr Rathore.
The 56-year-old MLA said the charges were fabricated and that he was “framed” for political reasons. “I have no connection with any such incident. I did not even know a named Dara Singh,” he told party workers. Mr Rathore was arrested amid slogan-shouting by his supporters who had gathered at the CBI’s local office.
Mr Rathore’s arrest comes nearly six weeks after the CBI arrested Rajasthan’s absconding additional DGP A.K. Jain, who has been named for his alleged involvement in the fake encounter.
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J’khand HC for CBI probe into RS polls
Age Correspondent
Patna, April 5
The Jharkhand high court Thursday directed the Election Commission to order a probe by a specialised agency into allegations of horse-trading that led to the Rajya Sabha polls being countermanded in the state. It dismissed a writ petition which challenged the countermanding.
Expressing delight at the high court order, CEC S.Y. Quraishi said he would write to the home ministry.