Vyapam: SC notice to MP government, CBI, Centre for probe into private college entrance

The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notices to Madhya Pradesh government, Central Bureau of Investigation and the Centre on a petition seeking a CBI probe into the entrance to private medical colleges.

The apex court has asked them to file their replies to the notice in two weeks.

This came even as the CBI moved the Supreme Court seeking directions for Special Investigation Team (SIT) to file chargesheets in connection with the Madhya Pradesh multi-crore Vyapam scam where investigations have been completed.

The apex court will hear the CBI's plea on Monday.

A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice HL Dattu, fixed the plea of the probe agency for hearing on July 20 and asked CBI to serve the copy of the application to the parties concerned.

The investigating agency has called for the records on scam accused Namrata Damore's death. It has also sought details into four other deaths including that of journalist Akshay Singh.

On July 9, the Supreme Court had ordered transfer of the probe into all Vyapam scam cases and the deaths allegedly linked to it to CBI.

The apex court had passed the order while hearing a batch of petitions, including the one filed by senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh seeking apex court-monitored CBI probe into all cases arising out of the Vyapam scam.

While passing the order, the apex court had also taken on record the submission of the Madhya Pradesh government that it had no objection on transferring the investigation of cases relating to Vyapam scam to CBI.

Congress has alleged that around 49 persons linked to the Vyapam scam have died under mysterious circumstances, a charge refuted by the state government. The official figure is around 25 which the state government says includes suicides, accidents and some other unnatural deaths.

The multi-crore rupee professional examination scam involves several high-profile professionals, politicians and bureaucrats as accused.

The alleged scam involves MPPEB, which holds examinations for various posts such as that of teachers, medical officers, constables and forest guards.