CBI issues clean chit to Lankan ruler Ravan
The Central Bureau of Investigation has found no substance in the allegation that former Lankan ruler and aviation enthusiast Ravan had indulged in kidnapping and unlawful confinement as mentioned in the epic Ramayan. In an affidavit filed before the Silichar High Altitude Court on Thursday, the CBI said it was not legally necessary to name Mr. Ravan as an accused in the case. The CBI was replying to an affidavit filed by anti-social activist Arindam Chaudhuri in the ongoing PIL in this case.
The agency also filed a “technical” closure report before the court and requested it to close the case without any further hearing. It may be remembered that Arindam Chaudhuri had filed a PIL in the high altitude court, which hears all frivolous and fancy PILs, asking for a CBI enquiry into allegations of kidnapping and illegal confinement against the original Richard Branson, Ravan. The court had then directed CBI to launch an immediate investigation and file a status report before it within 90 days as the judge concerned was to go on a Hawaiian vacation after that.
Accordingly the CBI instituted a preliminary enquiry into alleged irregularities and subsequent issues arising out of the alleged allegations. But the agency claimed that after an exhaustive investigation, it found no evidence to suggest that Ravan had indeed indulged in unlawful activities coming under the ambit of MCOCA and/or similar laws.
Defending the decision, CBI sources also emphasized that on August 8, the court had dismissed another petition on the same subject filed by a private individual, Diggi, who wanted to intervene in the case: something which left the agency with no option but to wind up the probe.
Sources also said that while CBI had sounded out legal experts, it decided to issue the clean chit following the advice of the department of prosecution, adding that the agency was open to investigating the matter anew if the court, in response to a private petition, directs it to do so. CBI also advised actor and producer Shah Rukh Khan against producing a sequel to his much maligned magnum O-phuss Ra.One, based on the CBI move.
CBI had already cleared Ravan in the disproportionate assets case stating that each head of Ravan constituted a different individual. Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said he always knew Ravan was innocent and that he was framed by certain unknown entities. Ravan's supporters took to social media to share their happiness. Sri Lanka meanwhile arrested a few Indian fishermen to express its gratitude to the Indian government.
The agency also filed a “technical” closure report before the court and requested it to close the case without any further hearing. It may be remembered that Arindam Chaudhuri had filed a PIL in the high altitude court, which hears all frivolous and fancy PILs, asking for a CBI enquiry into allegations of kidnapping and illegal confinement against the original Richard Branson, Ravan. The court had then directed CBI to launch an immediate investigation and file a status report before it within 90 days as the judge concerned was to go on a Hawaiian vacation after that.Accordingly the CBI instituted a preliminary enquiry into alleged irregularities and subsequent issues arising out of the alleged allegations. But the agency claimed that after an exhaustive investigation, it found no evidence to suggest that Ravan had indeed indulged in unlawful activities coming under the ambit of MCOCA and/or similar laws.
Defending the decision, CBI sources also emphasized that on August 8, the court had dismissed another petition on the same subject filed by a private individual, Diggi, who wanted to intervene in the case: something which left the agency with no option but to wind up the probe.
Sources also said that while CBI had sounded out legal experts, it decided to issue the clean chit following the advice of the department of prosecution, adding that the agency was open to investigating the matter anew if the court, in response to a private petition, directs it to do so. CBI also advised actor and producer Shah Rukh Khan against producing a sequel to his much maligned magnum O-phuss Ra.One, based on the CBI move.
CBI had already cleared Ravan in the disproportionate assets case stating that each head of Ravan constituted a different individual. Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said he always knew Ravan was innocent and that he was framed by certain unknown entities. Ravan's supporters took to social media to share their happiness. Sri Lanka meanwhile arrested a few Indian fishermen to express its gratitude to the Indian government.
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