Chief Justice asked the DVAC how many persons were arrested in connection with the case and also wanted to know how qualified and equipped the agency to probe a case with inter-state ramifications.
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption on Tuesday filed a status report on its probe into the gutkha scam in a sealed cover before the Madras High court on Tuesday.
The first Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Indira Banerjee adjourned the hearing to Wednesday after the Income Tax department supported DMK MLA J Anbalagan's plea seeking CBI probe into the gutkha scam case in which bribes were allegedly paid to a Tamil Nadu minister and top officials to "facilitate" the sale of banned gutkha in the state.
The income tax department had informed the court on January 12 that its confidential letter seeking action against those involved in the scam was seized from a room occupied by expelled AIADMK leader Sasikala in the Poes Garden residence of Jayalalithaa during a search on November 17, 2017.
This information was disclosed in an affidavit submitted by the principal director of income tax, Chennai, Susie Babu Varghese, on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by DMK MLA J Anbazhagan for a CBI probe into the alleged scam.
As the DMK legislator's counsel wondered how did IT department's secret letter to the chief secretary and DGP reached Sasikala's room and wanted an impartial probe by the CBI. The IT department told the first bench that it also favours a CBI probe into the issue.
The advocate general contended that Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption probe is going on in the right direction. He also filed a status report on the investigation conducted so far in gutka scam before the court in a sealed cover. He also complained to the court that IT department has refused to provide original documents and hard disks seized from gutka manufacturers.
Chief Justice asked the DVAC how many persons were arrested in connection with the case and also wanted to know how qualified and equipped the agency to probe a case with inter-state ramifications.
The PIL alleged that a state minister and high-level state and central government officers, including police officials, were involved in the scam to "facilitate" sale of banned 'gutka' (a mixture of betel nut and tobacco) and contended that CBI alone can conduct a thorough and impartial probe in the matter.
Gutkha scam
- In the gutkha scam case, bribes were allegedly paid to a Tamil Nadu minister and top officials to “facilitate” the sale of banned gutkha in the state. DMK MLA J Anbalagan’s plea sought a CBI probe into the scam.
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