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New Delhi, October 13 — In a scathing observation, the Supreme Court of India reprimanded the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for suddenly reviving a case filed six years ago against West Bengal DGP and former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. The apex court questioned the investigating agency’s prolonged silence, asking bluntly, “Where were you for six years?”
The case dates back to October 2019, when the CBI filed a petition against Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam. After just two hearings that year, the case remained dormant for nearly six years. In a surprising move, the CBI recently sent an urgent email to the Supreme Court registry requesting an emergency hearing — a decision that did not sit well with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai.
During Monday’s hearing, the Chief Justice expressed clear dissatisfaction with the CBI’s actions, stating, “You filed this case in 2019, and it has been lying untouched for six years. Did you forget about it?” The court’s strong remarks highlighted the lack of diligence and transparency from the central agency.
Representing the CBI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that Rajeev Kumar had violated conditions of his interim bail granted by the Calcutta High Court in 2019, which required him to cooperate fully with the investigation. Mehta urged the Supreme Court to cancel that bail, claiming non-cooperation.
However, Rajeev Kumar’s counsel, advocate Biswajit Deb, dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated. Presenting multiple letters as evidence, he told the court that Kumar had repeatedly written to the CBI offering full cooperation since 2019 but never received a single response or summons. “For six years, he was never called for questioning. Now, with elections approaching in Bengal, the agency has suddenly remembered this case,” Deb argued.
The defense alleged that the CBI’s sudden activity was part of a politically driven attempt to tarnish Rajeev Kumar’s image ahead of the upcoming state elections. The counsel further emphasized that Rajeev Kumar is one of the country’s most capable and decorated IPS officers who had been “hounded like a criminal” in 2019 without justification.
Chief Justice Gavai appeared unimpressed with the CBI’s explanation and questioned the timing of the petition’s revival. He remarked, “If this was such an important case, why did you sleep on it for six years?”
Despite the harsh words, the bench did not dismiss the case outright. Instead, the Supreme Court scheduled the next hearing for October 27, giving both parties time to file their written submissions.
The incident has reignited political debate in West Bengal, with observers suggesting that the CBI’s renewed interest in the case may have electoral motives. Meanwhile, the court’s criticism has raised serious questions about the CBI’s credibility and consistency in handling sensitive investigations.
As the matter heads for its next hearing, all eyes remain on the Supreme Court’s next move — and whether the CBI can justify its six-year silence in one of the most high-profile legal battles involving a top West Bengal police officer.
