Ranchi, September 13: Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has alleged that the ongoing CID investigation into the JSSC recruitment scam is being diluted, with attempts allegedly being made to suppress the truth and protect influential individuals. He has demanded an impartial investigation into the matter.
In a post on social media platform X, Marandi said complaints were being received that during questioning, portions of statements relating to alleged bribery and the involvement of high-profile politicians, officials or their intermediaries were being removed from the records.
He claimed that some junior officials involved in the investigation had approached them anonymously, alleging that their departmental superiors were pressuring them not to record such statements. Marandi said that if these complaints are true, it would amount to a serious attempt to suppress the truth and protect influential people in the name of investigation.
The Leader of Opposition also questioned the absence of videography during the recording of statements in such a sensitive case. He demanded that the entire process be videographed and that the original recordings be preserved without any tampering, cutting or editing. He questioned why there was an apparent reluctance to record a statement whenever a prominent name allegedly surfaced.
Marandi also referred to earlier allegations concerning the role of Anurag Gupta, including claims that the investigation had been taken in the wrong direction, evidence had been destroyed and the recruitment scam had initially been denied. He said the subsequent change in the CID's approach following strong protests by students and unemployed youth had further intensified these questions.
He also raised concerns over the CID investigation being led by Manoj Kaushik, alleging that there was a possibility of smaller accused being made scapegoats while influential individuals and the alleged masterminds were kept beyond the scope of the investigation.
Marandi urged investigating officers to immediately stop any alleged practice of removing names from statements, deleting digital evidence or recording statements under pressure. He said that if a CBI investigation is ordered, it should examine not only the original recruitment scam but also allegations of interference with the investigation and suppression of evidence.
He appealed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren to recommend a CBI investigation without delay and ensure that all original statements, video recordings and digital evidence are preserved. Marandi said that the time and opportunities lost by young people cannot be restored and that accountability must be fixed not only for those responsible for the alleged scam but also for anyone who may have helped protect them.
