Let CBI probe to take its own course : MEA

New Delhi, Apr 4 (UNI) The government is waiting for the CBI inquiry ''to take its own course'' into the alleged human trafficking by a senior official of the External Affairs Ministry even as the official has proceeded on leave.

''All I can say at the moment is that he (the accused MEA official) has proceeded on leave and we will wait for the investigations to take their course,'' a spokesman of the External Affairs Ministry said at a press briefing here in reply to a question.

He was asked about the issue concerning Mr Rakesh Kumar, Special Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry, who has been named by the CBI in a case of alleged human trafficking to Germany.

The CBI has filed a case against Mr Kumar for being allegedly involved in human trafficking during his tenure as Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Sharma is accused of facilitating the entry of nine illegal immigrants to Germany under the cover of a dance troupe.

The CBI has reportedly recovered cash worth around Rs four lakh and some documents from the residence of Mr Kumar.

Sources said the CBI may file a case of disproportionate assets against him on the basis of the cash and documents.

Asked about Mr Kumar's whereabouts, the spokesman said he was not aware of the details. He, however, added there were reports that he has been admitted to a hospital in Munich on his way back from Brazil.

A senior official of the Externmal Affairs Ministry also confirmed that Mr Kumar had not arrived in Delhi yet.

Sources said Mr Kumar had complained of chest pain while on his way back from an official visit to Brazil where he had gone with Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma.

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