Ghazaiabd:
When a man called Ashutosh Asthana died in jail on Saturday, many questions leapt out. Among them: was he murdered? And what will happen now to the 36 judges he accused of corruption? They include a Supreme Court judge, and several high court and lower court judges.
Asthana was the central figure in what's known as the Provident Fund Scam. The case against the judges in being investigated by the CBI, and monitored by the Supreme Court.
Asthana's family insists he was poisoned. "The cause of death cannot be ascertained. The viscera has been preserved," says a senior police official. Forensic tests are now being conducted to figure out what killed Asthana.
The Law Minister tells NDTV that Asthana's death is "really shocking...a matter of concern. If there's any conspiracy, the nation would like to know the truth. All that needs to be done will be done." Asthana's death will be discussed on Tuesday in the Supreme Court.
Asthana worked as a clerk at Ghaziabad's district court. He allegedly withdrew money from the court employees' retirement fund, allegedly with the clearance of magistrates and judges. In return, they were gifted air conditioners, washing machines and other bribes.
While Asthana's death is a big blow to the CBI, officials say his confession will hold, because it was made before a magistrate. They say other evidence submitted by him also gives them enough to work with.
Asthana was the central figure in what's known as the Provident Fund Scam. The case against the judges in being investigated by the CBI, and monitored by the Supreme Court.
Asthana's family insists he was poisoned. "The cause of death cannot be ascertained. The viscera has been preserved," says a senior police official. Forensic tests are now being conducted to figure out what killed Asthana.
The Law Minister tells NDTV that Asthana's death is "really shocking...a matter of concern. If there's any conspiracy, the nation would like to know the truth. All that needs to be done will be done." Asthana's death will be discussed on Tuesday in the Supreme Court.
Asthana worked as a clerk at Ghaziabad's district court. He allegedly withdrew money from the court employees' retirement fund, allegedly with the clearance of magistrates and judges. In return, they were gifted air conditioners, washing machines and other bribes.
While Asthana's death is a big blow to the CBI, officials say his confession will hold, because it was made before a magistrate. They say other evidence submitted by him also gives them enough to work with.
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