Corruption
ED vs CBI: The Inside Story of the Shimla Scholarship Scam
Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer Vishal Deep has alleged that he is being unfairly targeted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) due to his discreet inquiry into alleged misconduct by CBI officials.
In his anticipatory bail plea filed before the Chandigarh CBI Court, Deep contended that the CBI had falsely implicated him in a corruption case to shield its senior officers and the complainants involved in illicit activities.
The bail application is scheduled for hearing on January 14, with Special CBI Court Judge Alka Malik directing the CBI to submit its response.
The CBI has lodged two FIRs against Deep in connection with a bribery case. These allegations, stem from complaints by Bhupinder Kumar Sharma, chairman of Dev Bhumi Group of Institutions, Una, and Rajneesh Bansal, chairman of Himalayan Group of Professional Institutions, Sirmour. Both complainants accused Deep and other ED officials of demanding bribes to avoid arrests in cases concerning their institutions.
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In his plea, Deep, who serves as Assistant Director-II of the ED in Shimla, stated that he was investigating proceeds of crime linked to the Himachal Pradesh Scholarship Scam.
During this investigation, he alleged that a CBI Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), who had previously handled the case, along with one of the complainants, attempted to coerce him into accepting a bribe in return for leniency.
Deep claimed he was subjected to undue pressure by the CBI DSP to accept the bribe and provide undue favors to the complainants.
He alleged that he was threatened with false accusations and a transfer to an undesirable location if he refused. However, Deep maintained that he had no intention of succumbing to these pressures.
Instead, he initiated a discreet inquiry under Section 66 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to gather evidence against the CBI DSP and the complainants.
The bail application further alleged that the FIRs filed against him were nearly identical and orchestrated by individuals implicated in the scholarship scam through the same channels. Deep asserted that the CBI’s preliminary investigation into the matter was vague and driven by malice.
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He also accused the CBI of conducting illegal searches at his residence and office. According to Deep, on December 23, 2024, CBI officials entered his home without a warrant or the presence of a lady constable, despite the presence of his wife, children, and elderly parents.
He claimed that during this unauthorized search, the CBI seized evidence he had collected against its officials and the complainants. While official records indicate the search occurred on December 24, Deep alleged it was conducted a day earlier to destroy critical evidence.
Deep’s application also highlighted that no incriminating evidence was recovered from his residence or during his arrest. He noted that the alleged bribe money was seized from a different location and that there was no direct evidence, such as phone records, linking him to the allegations.
