CBI registers case of cheating against son of former Madhya Pradesh CM

In a matter of embarrassment for the ruling BJP in Madhya Pradesh, CBI has registered a case of cheating against the son of a former chief minister of the state, Kailash Chandra Joshi. CBI has named Yogesh Joshi, the General Manager of MP State Co-operative Marketing Federation, and four others in a case of alleged cheating and corruption resulting in losses of Rs 30.46 lakh to state-run insurance firm, New India Assurance Company.

Speaking to PTI, Kailash Joshi claimed that the move by CBI to drag his son into the case had a political angle to it. "It is political as well as factual. The commission which was to be paid to the insurance company was allegedly paid to the agents. Things will become clear after the probe. However, it does have a political angle," said the former chief minister and BJP leader. CBI has also named the Branch Manager of New India Assurance Company, MK Modi, a development officer, Sanjay Yadav, and two agents, Mamata Gupta and Nitin, in the case.

"It is alleged that the accused persons entered into a criminal conspiracy with each other and issued insurance coverage of MARKFED's stock and paid commission to the agents and incentive to Development Officer on the basis of false certificate issued by GM, MARKFED, whereas the said business was to be carried out without any agent. "They thereby cheated the New India Assurance Company to the tune of Rs 30.46 lakh and corresponding gains to themselves," CBI spokesperson said.

After registering the case, CBI carried out searches at six places in Bhopal, including the residential premises of all the accused persons, during which it seized incriminating documents pertaining to the case. When contacted, Yogesh Joshi said over the phone that there had been no irregularity on his part. "The investigation is in progress. I would not like to comment on it. It is an issue of insurance company, but there is no excessive payment from my side," Joshi said.