Cash Pile Found at Delhi High Court Judge’s Residence: Ties to CBI’s 2018 Sugar Mill Fraud Case Exposed
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
A startling turn of events has shaken the Indian judiciary, as Justice Yashwant Verma, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, has been linked to a massive fraud case involving Simbhaoli Sugar Mills. The connection comes amid shocking reports of a large sum of cash being discovered at his official residence in Lutyens’ Delhi on March 14. This revelation has sent shockwaves throughout the legal community, leading to widespread public and legal outrage.
The 2018 CBI FIR and the Allegations Against Justice Verma
The controversy traces its roots back to a 2018 Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR, where Justice Verma, then a non-executive director of Simbhaoli Sugar Mills, was named in connection with a fraudulent loan scheme involving the Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC). The case, which has been under investigation since 2018, accused the sugar mill of embezzling funds and falsifying documents in a loan agreement meant to assist farmers.
The bank had provided a loan of Rs 148.59 crore between January and March 2012 to fund the purchase of fertilizers and seeds for farmers. However, OBC’s complaint to the CBI revealed that the funds were misappropriated, with falsified KYC (Know Your Customer) documents submitted to the bank, leading to a massive financial scam. Simbhaoli Sugar Mills had guaranteed repayment, but the loan turned into a loss of over Rs 97.85 crore, with another Rs 109 crore still outstanding.
The involvement of key figures, including Verma, has kept the case under intense scrutiny. A subsequent investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into money laundering has uncovered troubling ties to influential political figures, including Gurpal Singh, the deputy managing director of the sugar mill, and the son-in-law of Punjab’s Chief Minister, Amarinder Singh.
The Alleged Fire and Cash Discovery
On the night of March 14, an unexpected fire broke out in a storeroom at Justice Verma’s official residence. While no injuries were reported, the fire brigade discovered a pile of cash scattered among burnt materials, including official documents. The total sum reportedly recovered was a staggering Rs 15 crore, sparking immediate investigations by the Delhi police and judiciary.
Initial reports indicated that no FIR was filed, and conflicting accounts from the Delhi fire department only added to the confusion. The fire chief, Atul Garg, claimed that no cash was recovered from the site, which raised serious questions about the authenticity of the incident. However, videos showing the cash were reportedly shared with senior Delhi police officials, leading to further inquiries into the matter.
Judicial Response and Public Outrage
The revelation has left the judiciary rattled. The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, responded swiftly by transferring Justice Verma back to the Allahabad High Court. This decision, while notable, was only seen as the first step in addressing the matter, with a preliminary inquiry still ongoing. Legal experts and senior advocates have voiced concerns about the potential corruption within the judiciary and the need for greater transparency in judicial appointments.
Chief Justice of Delhi High Court DK Upadhyay, remarked that the incident had deeply demoralized the judiciary. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal echoed these sentiments, calling for a more transparent process for judicial appointments and highlighting the need to address corruption in the legal system. “Corruption within the judiciary is a serious issue,” Sibal stated at a press conference.
A Call for Clarity and Accountability
The controversy has raised numerous questions about the validity of the fire and cash discovery, with conflicting reports adding to the mystery. Former Solicitor General Harish Salve questioned the inquiry’s basis, pointing out the discrepancies in official statements. The confusion surrounding whether any cash was recovered or not has led to calls for an external panel to ensure the credibility of the investigation.
In an exclusive interview, Salve said, “If the allegations are false, it’s unfair to transfer him, and if they are true, a transfer is too little.” He urged the judiciary to maintain transparency and accountability, regardless of the outcome of the inquiry.
The Path Forward
With the situation still unfolding, the legal community and the public await clarity on the investigation’s next steps. The discovery of the cash, combined with the serious fraud allegations against Justice Verma, has set the stage for a prolonged legal battle. Whether or not the truth behind the allegations is ever fully revealed, the case has certainly cast a long shadow over the Indian judiciary, prompting urgent calls for reform and a reassessment of how corruption within the legal system is handled.
