CHENNAI: The Madras High Court directed the Additional Director General of Police of the Crime Branch CID to appear in person and offer an explanation in connection with the case relating to the alleged fabrication of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for setting up petrol bunks.
The public interest litigation filed by VBR Menon stated that an NOC is mandatory for establishing petrol bunks and alleged that fake NOCs were fabricated and submitted to oil companies to obtain licences for new petrol bunks at several locations in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Pursuant to earlier directions of the High Court, the CB-CID registered a case and a charge sheet was filed against four persons accused of supplying the fake NOCs. However, the petitioner alleged that no action had been taken against those who played a key role in the scam and sought transfer of the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
When the matter came up before a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice MM Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan, the police submitted that a fair investigation had been conducted and that a charge sheet had been filed against four accused.
Opposing this, counsel for the petitioner contended that the State police were shielding the real culprits involved in the fraud.
After hearing both sides, the Bench observed that the CB-CID had failed to conduct a comprehensive investigation despite the availability of material evidence.
The judges directed the Additional Director General of Police, CB-CID, to appear before the court on the next date of hearing to enable appropriate orders, including the possible constitution of a Special Investigation Team, for a proper and fair investigation. The case was adjourned to February 10.