THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Ranchi, March 11: CBI Special Judge PK Sharma’s court has ordered a fresh investigation against five officials linked to the JPSC-2 case.
The officials named in the order are Prashant Kumar Layak, Lal Manoj Nath Shahdeo, Kumar Shailendra, Hari Oraon, and Kumari Geetanjali. The court has also directed that a copy of the order be sent to the CBI branch head.
Court questions lack of charge sheet
In its cognizance order, the court observed that the CBI had not filed a charge sheet against these five accused. The agency, in its report, stated that no evidence was found against them during the investigation.
However, the court pointed out that all five were named as accused in the FIR and has now instructed a fresh probe into their alleged involvement.
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Forensic report and allegations of irregularities
The FIR contains specific allegations against them, and the forensic report provides details of alterations made to their numbers.
The investigating officer has not mentioned any reason for exonerating them, although the report acknowledges large-scale irregularities in the examination.
High Court PIL and investigation lapses
The court, in its order, stated that a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the High Court regarding irregularities in appointments made by JPSC. In the case of Buddhadev Oraon vs. Jharkhand Government, an FIR was registered against 16 examinations, including JPSC-1 and JPSC-2, following the High Court’s directive.
During the hearing, the government’s affidavit also confirmed irregularities in the examination process. Given these facts, the investigating officer should have recorded the petitioner’s statement and included it in the case records. However, this was not done.
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CBI ordered to file supplementary charge sheet
The CBI special judge’s court, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Hasan Bhai Vali Bhai vs. Gujarat Government case, has deemed a fresh investigation necessary against the accused. The court has also directed the CBI to conduct a new inquiry and file a supplementary charge sheet.
