SC's no to CBI probe against Haryana minister

New Delhi, Sep 8 (UNI) The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a petition filed by one Anil Bansal, seeking a CBI inquiry against Haryana Revenue Minister Kamal Patel for acquiring assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Senior counsel KTS Tulsi, appearing for the petitioner, contended before the court that the minister has acquired assets worth over Rs 88 lakh through corrupt means by misusing his official status as a minster and is liable to be prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices P Sathasivam and J M Panchal told the counsel for the petitioner that the Income Tax department is already investigating the matter.

Mr Tulsi contended that the Income Tax department was looking into the issue of evasion of Income Tax while the CBI inquiry is required to investigate the crime committed by him.

The apex court, however, was not convinced and told Mr Tulsi either to approach the special CBI Judge or the High Court concerned.

The court permitted the petitioner to withdraw his petition and recorded his statement that the petitioner wants to approach the appropriate forum.

UNI SC JT RL NS1647