1165 cases pending CBI probe till March 2008

New Delhi, Apr 16 (UNI) As many as 1165 cases were still pending investigation in the CBI till March 31 this year while the agency has moved the court for withdrawal of just two cases from 2005 to 2007, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

In a written reply to a question by Lok Sabha member Prabodh Panda, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Prithviraj Chavan said investigation of cases by the CBI took time because of their complicated nature, requiring scrutiny of voluminous documents and examination of large number of witnesses.

He said the Government had set up 39 courts of special judges in various states exclusively for the trial of the CBI cases.

Mr Chavan further said the CBI endeavoured through constant monitoring and supervision to ensure that there was no delay in trial on its part.

In reply to another question by Kashiram Rana and Tukaram Ganpatrao Renge Patil, he said during 2005 to 2007, the CBI moved the court for withdrawal of two cases in accordance with the provisions under section 321 of the CrPC.

Mr Chavan, who is also the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, said one case was withdrawn as the accused had been absconding since the registration of the case in 1978 and his whereabouts could not be ascertained despite all efforts.

Another case was withdrawn in view of the lack of adequate evidence to establish criminal conspiracy and malafide intention.

In reply to Mehbooba Mufti's question, Mr Chavan said the number of cases taken up by the CBI in Jammu and Kashmir in 2005, 2006 and 2007 were 15, 15 and 14 respectively.

In 2005, while 11 cases were under trial, the figure stood at nine and seven in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

Two cases ended in conviction in 2005 and one in 2006.

Two cases in 2005 and one in 2006 were recommended to RDA. One case was closed in 2006.

While three cases were under investigation in 2006, the figure stood at seven in 2007, Mr Chavan said.

UNI AG JT KN1425