New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is bringing sacked Rajasthan minister Mahipal Maderna, who is in its custody till Dec 9, from Jodhpur to New Delhi for questioning in the disappearance of nurse Bhanwari Devi, an official said.
“Maderna is being brought to Delhi by evening for further questioning. He is on his way,” the CBI official told IANS.
Maderna and Congress legislator from Luni constituency Malkhan Singh Bishnoi’s brother Parasram Bishnoi were Friday arrested for alleged involvement in the disappearance of Bhanwari Devi. A court in Jodhpur Saturday sent them to CBI custody.
The sacked minister had been called for questioning at the circuit house here Friday and was later arrested after completion of interrogation. The CBI also arrested Parasram Bishnoi.
In the chargesheet that was filed in the same court Friday against the three arrested accused, Sohan Lal Bishnoi, Shahabuddin and Baldev Jaat, the CBI claimed that Maderna hired Sahi Ram Bishnoi, a small-time politician who is absconding at present, to eliminate Bhanwari Devi.
Bhanwari Devi had gone missing from Jodhpur’s Bilara area Sep 1.
On Oct 16, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot sacked Maderna from the cabinet over allegations that he had a role in her disappearance as she was blackmailing him on the basis of a CD showing both of them in a compromising position.
“Bhanwari Devi was promised that she would be paid Rs.50 lakh for the CD and was abducted,” the chargesheet claims. The CBI said in the chargesheet that it suspects that she was strangulated to death. (IANS)