Babulal Marandi questions CID probe into JSSC job scam, alleges attempt to shield ‘big fish’
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, September 13: Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has raised serious questions over the ongoing CID investigation into…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, September 13: Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has raised serious questions over the ongoing CID investigation into the JSSC recruitment scam, alleging that the probe appears to be aimed at suppressing the truth and shielding influential people.
In a post on X, Marandi claimed that complaints were emerging along the lines of what he had apprehended earlier. According to him, people arrested or questioned in the case have allegedly spoken about bribery and the involvement of high-profile politicians, officials or their intermediaries, but portions of their statements containing such references are being removed.
Marandi further claimed that some junior officials associated with the investigation had approached him on condition of anonymity, alleging that their departmental seniors were pressuring them not to record such statements. If true, he said, this would amount to a serious attempt to suppress facts and protect influential individuals in the name of investigation.
‘Why are names being removed from statements?’
Marandi said the entire process of recording statements in such a sensitive case should be videographed. The original recordings, he said, must be preserved without any tampering, cutting or editing so that no official can alter or get a witness’s statement altered for convenience.
He questioned why there was an alleged urgency to keep a name out of the record whenever a statement mentioned an influential person.
“Is the investigation meant to uncover the truth or to protect certain faces?” he asked.
Questions over Anurag Gupta’s role
Marandi also raised questions over the role of Anurag Gupta, alleging that serious charges had earlier surfaced regarding attempts to divert the investigation, destroy evidence and deny the existence of irregularities in the recruitment process.
He said the change in the CID’s approach following the historic anger expressed by students and unemployed youth had only deepened these questions.
According to Marandi, the fact that the agency initially denied the existence of a scam but subsequently took action also raises questions about accountability for its earlier position.
He alleged that similar complaints were now emerging regarding the CID investigation being led by Manoj Kaushik, with “small fish” allegedly being made scapegoats while influential people and the alleged masterminds were kept out of the probe’s reach.
He said such allegations could only be answered through impartial investigation and preservation of evidence. Merely showcasing the arrest of smaller players, he added, would not dispel concerns that bigger names were being protected.
‘Stop the game of deleting names and destroying evidence’
Marandi issued a strong appeal to the officials involved in the investigation, saying that if names were being removed from statements, digital evidence was being deleted or officials were being pressured to record statements in a predetermined manner, the practice should stop immediately.
He urged investigating officials to discharge the responsibility attached to their uniform and office and not become party to any attempt to conceal alleged injustice against students.
He also warned that facts removed from records today to protect an influential person could eventually become a question mark over the role of the officials involved.
Demands CBI probe into both scam and alleged interference
Marandi said that if the case is handed over to the CBI, the investigation should not be restricted to the alleged recruitment scam. It should also examine complaints of attempts to influence the investigation and suppress evidence.
He further demanded an impartial inquiry into allegations concerning the past conduct of officials if documentary evidence relating to their previous tenure comes to light.
According to him, leaving office or losing a position does not bring an end to accountability for actions taken while in power.
He also said the episode should serve as a lesson for future government officials, cautioning them against compromising their professional integrity and reputation in the hope of political patronage.
Appeal to Hemant Soren for CBI recommendation
Marandi appealed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren not to force students and unemployed youth to return to the streets. He urged the government to recommend a CBI probe without delay and ensure the preservation of all original statements, video recordings and digital evidence.
He said the lost years and opportunities of young people could not be restored.
Those responsible for alleged irregularities in the recruitment process, he said, must be held accountable, along with anyone found to have attempted to shield them.
The allegations made by Marandi have not been independently verified from the material available for this report. A response from the CID or the officials named in the allegations would provide further clarity on the matter.
