Case against AAP minister: HC seeks response of Delhi Police

A man, who has filed a complaint against Delhi government minister Imran Hussain and others, has sought transfer of the probe in the case to CBI, alleging that the police was “deliberately shielding” the accused. The complainant, Mohd Qasim, has also sought adding of graft charges against the minister, leading the Delhi High Court to seek the response of Delhi Police on the issue today.

The petition came up for hearing before Justice Pratibha Rani where the police’s counsel said they would file a status report. The court posted the matter for hearing on July 27.

The plea sought transfer of the probe in the case lodged by the police against Hussain, the Minister of Food Supplies, Environment and Forest, and others to the CBI and also add provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act in the matter.

The petitioner also sought a direction to the police to provide protection to him and his family members alleging that they were receiving threats from Hussain’s associates.

In his plea, Qasim claimed that Hussain “virtually controls and holds great influence over each and every construction work which is carried out in Ballimaran area (in Old Delhi)”.

He alleged that the police was “deliberately shielding the accused persons” and the matter should be transferred to CBI for a free and fair probe.

“... the matter involves serious charges of corruption against a high profile, influential cabinet minister of the GNCT of Delhi, the police may transfer the matter to the CBI which is an independent and specialised central agency beyond the control of accused Imran Hussain,” the plea, filed through advocate Aman Panwar, said.

Senior advocate N Hariharan and advocate P K Dubey, who appeared for Qasim, told the bench that their client was receiving threats. He said on the basis of his complaint, an FIR was lodged in February this year by police against Hussain and others.

Qasim, a resident of the area, alleged that he had to carry out renovation work at his house for which he had purchased construction materials. But in November last year, Hussain’s representative approached him and told him that he cannot carry out the work without the minister’s permission.

He claimed that he and his brothers went to meet Hussain at his residence but were threatened not to carry out the construction work. He also alleged that Hussain had demanded illegal gratification of Rs 30 lakh for carrying out the construction work.

The petitioner claimed that Hussain and others abused them and continued to demand bribe and the telephonic conversation was recorded. Hussain, he alleged, also sent his representatives who again demanded bribe of Rs 25 lakh, and a video of this conversation was also recorded.

The complainant said he has also annexed transcripts of recorded conversation along with his petition.