No objection to CBI probe, says Chouhan

Setting aside the Opposition's demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the multi-crore Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB) scam, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated on Sunday that the investigation by the Special Task Force (STF) under the supervision of the Special Investigating Team (SIT) constituted by the High Court 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 HC's action. Then how can the State regime interfere and request the CBI to 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, also known as Vyapam 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 Congress 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 Government services and medical and engineering tests. Major irregularities had 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 Minister's houses were linked to the scam. As many as 500 more accused are yet to be arrested in connection with these recruitment irregularity, sources said.

"My Government is not above the judiciary. When the High Court has refused a CBI enquiry into the matter, how can we order itIJ" Supreme Court and High Court are free to get the matter probed by the agency they want to. We don't have any problem," the Chief Minister said. He said no other matter in the country had been investigated the way Vyapam scam has till date been.