MPPEB Scam: MP CM Chouhan Rules Out CBI Probe

05 July, Bhopal

Setting aside Oppositions demand of a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the multi-crore Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Sunday reiterated that the Special Task Forces probe — under the supervision of the High Court which had constituted the Special Investigating Team to probe into the scam is enough and there is no need of a CBI probe.

The matter was brought to the knowledge of the Supreme Court and it has okayed the HCs action. Then how can the state regime interfere and request the CBI probe. No investigating agency is above the HC and the SC. I have full faith in the judiciary, the Chief Minister told reporters at his residence.

Indirectly refusing to tender his resignation, as demanded by the Opposition over the MPPEB scam, Chouhan said he left no time as soon as the scam surfaced and immediately asked the STF to investigate.

To a query about the threat to the STF officials and deaths of about 40 accused related to the scam, he reiterated that the HC and the SIT are looking into it and the state regime could not do anything in this regard.Regarding Congresss allegations, the Chief Minister alleged that the party airing false statements over the issue and was trying to malign his image.

The MPPEB organises the recruitments in the government services and medical and engineering tests. Major irregularities were surfaced in the MPPEB two years ago and names of several politicians and bureaucrats came up.

About 2,000 accused, including former state minister Laxmikant Sharma, were arrested and about 55 FIRs were lodged and even the Governor and Chief Ministers houses were linked to the scam.

As many as 500 more accused are yet to be arrested in connection with these recruitment irregularity, the sources said.