Kolkata, September 19: As the hide and seek game intensifies, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has served a fresh notice to Kolkata top-cop Rajeev Kumar under section 160 of the CrPC. The section demands Rajeev Kumar to appear before the investigation agency immediately in connection with the Saradha Scam case. Former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar has been untraceable, and five teams of the CBI are conducting searches at places across the city.
A top CBI officer speaking to the media said, “We are conducting searches at all possible places where Rajeev Kumar can be found. We haven’t got his location yet. IPS officers mess is one such location were searches are being carried out.” However, the CBI denied reports that the agency had conducted raids at Kumar’s house. “There are no fresh developments as far as CBI is concerned today. There were reports of CBI searching Mr. Kumar’s residence which are no true.” a senior CBI officer said.
The CBI has now filed a petition for issuing a non bailable warrant against Rajeev Kumar in Alipore court. The CBI lawyers have reportedly told the Alipore Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Subrata Mukherjee that Rajeev Kumar has not been cooperating in the probe.
Kumar is currently serving as the Additional Director General of CID in West Bengal and is on leave from 9 September to 25 September. Kumar had earlier moved the North 24-Parganas district court at Barasat seeking interim protection from arrest. But judge Mohammad Shabbar Rashidi observed that his court had no jurisdiction over the matter and therefore, he could not entertain the petition.
The CBI has now also asked the West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) to provide the contact details of Kumar. West Bengal DGP, in a letter on Monday, had told CBI that its notices were sent to Kumar’s official residence and his response was awaited.