Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The special MP/MLA court in Ranchi heard a petition filed by the prosecution seeking to add Health Department employee Shambhu Singh as an accused in the confidential document leak case against MLA Saryu Rai, directing Rai to file his response to the petition.
Four Witnesses Claim to Have Seen Shambhu Singh Photographing Leaked Documents
The prosecution informed the court that approximately four witnesses in the case have claimed to have seen Shambhu Singh photographing the leaked confidential documents. The prosecution argued that adding him as an accused is necessary for the full facts of the case to emerge before the court.
Background of the Case
The special MP/MLA court had earlier taken cognisance of a chargesheet filed against MLA Saryu Rai, accusing him of criminal conspiracy and theft of confidential pages from files belonging to the Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Department. The chargesheet was filed under Section 120B of the IPC and Section 30(2) relating to leaking of confidential documents, after investigating officer and Sub-Inspector Nagesh Srivastava concluded the offence after completing his probe over nearly two and a half years.
Trial Underway, 12 Witnesses Have Deposed
A trial is currently underway in the special MP/MLA judge’s court, with the testimonies of 12 individuals already completed, including that of the investigating officer. The chargesheet names six witnesses including Asif Ekram, personal secretary to then Health Minister Banna Gupta.
How the Case Originated
MLA Saryu Rai had obtained the confidential documents and held a press conference during the COVID period, alleging misuse of Covid incentive funds. He accused then Health Minister Banna Gupta of misusing his position to disburse incentive payments to himself and 60 health department employees. Following this, the Under Secretary of the Health Department lodged an FIR against Saryu Rai at Doranda Police Station in May 2022.
