HC questions CBI's biased probe

The CBI’s biased investigation into the Vanpic (Vadarevu and Nizampatnam Port & Industrial Corridor) case has been exposed with the High Court questioning the way the case is being investigated by the agency.

When the bail petition of Nimmagadda Prasad, accused in the case, came up for hearing on Thursday, CBI lawyer P. Keshava Rao fumbled in his arguments. The CBI counsel had no answer when questioned by Justice Govindarajulu as to why any official of the UAE emirate Ras Al Khaima (RAK) was not included in the charge sheet.

“You have only named Nimmagadda Prasad as the accused and why not the RAK officials when the emirate was originally party to it?” Justice Govindarajulu questioned.

The judge posed this question when the CBI counsel said that the original RAK share of 51 per cent in the VANPIC was reduced to 26.5 per cent after Navayuga was made a partner and the entire deal was kept secret.

Not knowing the answer, CBI counsel fumbled to reply but later on tried to make correction saying that notices were issued to RAK.

The judge then asked as to where was the necessity of issuing notices to RAK when all documentary evidence was with it. “Your investigation seems to be biased as you are aiming at only one person,” the judge remarked.

When the CBI Counsel said the investigation is at a final stage, Justice Varadarajulu asked: “You always say investigation is in final stage whenever bail petition of any one comes up for hearing. Please tell me which part of investigation is not yet complete in the case.”

(Updated on Sept 21,2012)