In a significant development, a trial court in Raipur has quashed a disproportionate assets case against Aman Singh, the Principal Secretary to former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, and his wife Yasmin Singh. The decision comes after the court approved the closure report submitted by the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) and the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB), citing a lack of evidence to substantiate the allegations leveled against the couple.
Special Judge Nidhi Sharma Tiwari, presiding over the case, observed that the complaint against Aman Singh was fabricated and devoid of any concrete evidence. Notably, the investigation conducted by the agencies revealed that the percentage of disproportionate assets allegedly held by Singh amounted to a mere 1.06%, well below the threshold that would warrant prosecution under the law.
The origins of the case trace back to October 2019 when Right to Information (RTI) activist Utchiya Sharma lodged a written complaint against Aman Singh during the tenure of then Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The complaint alleged that Singh had amassed numerous properties through corrupt means, prompting the Chhattisgarh government to authorize an investigation into the matter.
Following the investigation under Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 13(1)(B) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, no actionable offence was found against Aman Singh and his wife Yasmin Singh. The prosecution’s contention, supported by the findings of the ACB, emphasized the absence of evidence warranting prosecution against the couple.
Crucially, a letter issued by the Superintendent of Police, ACB, dated December 4, 2023, directed the closure of the case based on the recommendation of the Bureau’s legal officer. The decision to close the disproportionate assets case was made at the Bureau level after a thorough review of the investigation report, which failed to establish any wrongdoing on the part of the accused.
In light of the compelling evidence presented by the prosecution and the absence of substantive grounds for prosecution, the trial court accorded its approval to the closure report, thereby quashing the FIR against Aman Singh and Yasmin Singh. The court’s decision underscores the importance of upholding the principles of justice and due process, ensuring that individuals are not unjustly persecuted in the absence of concrete evidence.
The resolution of this case not only exonerates Aman Singh and his wife from baseless allegations but also reaffirms the integrity and efficacy of the legal system in dispensing justice impartially. As the specter of corruption continues to loom large in the political landscape, the court’s verdict serves as a beacon of hope, signaling that the rule of law prevails even in the face of adversity.
Moving forward, it is imperative for all stakeholders to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability, fostering a culture of integrity and ethical governance that safeguards the interests of the public and upholds the sanctity of democratic institutions.