“The CBI is probing the role, if any, of the former railway minister in the bribery case in which his nephew has been arrested. He may be called for questioning again,” sources said.
When asked whether the CBI was considering Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal an accused or a witness in its probe, CBI director Ranjit Sinha told this newspaper, “Bansal has been examined by the CBI today. Only after the completion of his interrogation will the probe decide whether his role in the case is that of an accused/suspect or witness.” Mr Sinha refused comment when asked whether any of the accused, including Mr Singla, had named Mr Bansal in their statement to the CBI. “I can just say that the probe is on. Anybody who has a connection with the case will be examined by us in due course,” he said.
Mr Bansal, who had to resign from the Union Cabinet in the aftermath of the case, was questioned till 6.45 pm with a break of about one and a half hours for lunch. Mr Bansal was also asked pointed questions about his meeting with Mr Kumar on April 16 in Mumbai, the promotion to board member and the additional charge given to him as general manager (west). Mr Bansal claimed his meetings with Mr Kumar during his Mumbai visits were part of protocol as Mr Kumar was the GM and it was imperative for him as railway minister to meet him. They want to understand the role of the authority which was supposed to change Mr Kumar’s discipline from member (staff) to member (electrical) and allow him to continue with the additional charge of GM (west).