Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The special MP/MLA court in Ranchi heard a prosecution petition filed under Section 319 of the CrPC seeking permission to add Health Department employee Shambhu Singh as an accused in the confidential document leak case against MLA Saryu Rai, with the court directing Rai to file his response after receiving a copy of the petition.
Four Witnesses Claim to Have Seen Shambhu Singh Photographing 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 essential for the full facts of the matter to be established before the court.
Trial Underway, 12 Witnesses Have Already Deposed
The trial is currently ongoing before the special MP/MLA judge’s court, with the testimonies of 12 witnesses already completed, including that of the investigating officer. A chargesheet has been filed in the case naming six witnesses, including Asif Ekram, personal secretary to then Health Minister Banna Gupta.
How the Case Began
MLA Saryu Rai had obtained confidential documents and held a press conference alleging misuse of Covid incentive funds during the pandemic, accusing then Health Minister Banna Gupta of disbursing 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. The chargesheet was filed under Section 120B of the IPC and Section 30(2) relating to leaking of confidential documents.
