The CBI interrogation comes at a time when Ashok Gehlot’s government faces a political storm.
Jaipur:
The CBI today questioned the officer on special duty to Rajasthan’s chief minister, Ashok Gehlot, about the alleged suicide death of a police officer in May. Congressman Krishna Poonia, who was interviewed by the agency yesterday about the case, was also called to another round of questioning later today.
The CBI interrogation comes at a time when Ashok Gehlot’s government faces a political storm following the Sachin Pilot rebellion and his subsequent dismissal as deputy chief minister and head of the Congressional unit of the Rajasthan.
Deva Ram Saini, the special duty officer to the chief minister of Rajasthan, was called to the investigative agency’s office in Jaipur. A team from the Delhi CBI Special Crime Unit is in Jaipur to record statements in connection with the police officer’s death investigation.
Police officer Vishnudutt Vishno was found dead at his official residence in Churu district on May 23. The Rajashtan government transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) last month.
The police officer’s brother reportedly lodged a complaint with the Rajasthan police, alleging he was under pressure, which prompted him to take this drastic step.
Mayawati’s BJP and BSP, which are in opposition in Rajasthan, alleged that the officer was being pressured by Krishna Poonia, a charge she denied.
Krishna Poonia was questioned by the investigative agency yesterday for nearly three hours, the PTI news agency said citing sources.
Ms Poonia, who represented India at the 2013 Olympics and entered politics the same year, is part of the Gehlot team camping at a hotel in Jaipur, where the chief minister herds his flock.
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