Delhi Court Asks Police To Probe If Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot Addressed Union Minister Gajendra Shekhawat As ‘Accused’ In Sanjeevani Scam

A Delhi Court on Friday directed the Delhi police to investigate if Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was addressed as “an accused” in alleged Sanjeevani Scam by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

ACMM Harjeet Singh Jaspal of Rouse Avenue Courts directed that the Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police concerned shall investigate the matter either himself or through an officer not below the rank of an Inspector.

“Ergo, keeping in mind the facts and circumstances and also keeping in mind the legislative mandate as is provided u/s 202 Cr.PC (considering the fact that the accused is residing outside the local jurisdiction of this court), this court directs an investigation into the matter, through Delhi Police. Keeping in mind the sensitivity of the matter, it is directed that the Joint Commissioner concerned shall monitor the investigation,” the court said.

The court was hearing a complaint case moved by Shekhawat alleging defamation at the hands of Gehlot. It was Shekhawat’s case that Gehlot called him and his family members, including his deceased mother an accused in the alleged sanjeevani scam.

Shekhawat also alleged that during press conferences or media briefings, Gehlot stated that the allegations against Shekhawat stand proved.

While ordering police probe, the court observed the whether or not the statements of Gehlot constitute defamation against Shekhawat largely rests upon the investigation being undertaken by the Special Operation Groups (SOG) in the scam in question.

“What needs to be seen is whether the complainant herein is actually an accused in the said matter or whether the complainant has no bearing/involvement in the said matter. It is on the basis of the answer to these questions the merits of the offence of defamation, as alleged by the complainant, can be decided,” it said.

The court directed the police to conduct investigation on the following aspects:

- Whether Gehlot stated that the allegations against the Shekhawat stand proved in the Sanjeevani Scam ?

- Whether Shekhawat or his family members have been arrayed as 'an accused' in the investigation of the Sanjeevani Scam?

The police has been directed to file the investigation report by April 25, the next date of hearing.