The Central Bureau of Investigation has decided to close an alleged corruption case against Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel, which was registered in 2017. The case was initially filed after a directive from the Supreme Court, but a closure report has now been submitted to the special CBI court in Delhi. The investigating officer has been issued a notice and the matter is set to be heard on April 15, 2024.
CBI Closes Corruption Case against Praful Patel
Background
Praful Patel, a former Member of Parliament (MP) from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), served as the Union Minister of Civil Aviation from 2004 to 2011. In 2017, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an alleged corruption case against him related to the acquisition of 111 aircraft by Air India Limited during his tenure.
The Supreme Court had directed the CBI to investigate the case after allegations surfaced that the deal was inflated by several thousand crores of rupees and that Patel had received kickbacks.
Closure Report
After a thorough investigation, the CBI has now decided to close the case against Patel. The agency has submitted a closure report to the special CBI court in Delhi, citing lack of evidence to support the allegations of corruption.
According to the investigating officer, the allegations against Patel were based on "unverified information" and "vague allegations." The officer also stated that there was no evidence to suggest that the former minister had received any illegal gratification in connection with the aircraft acquisition deal.
Court Hearing
The closure report has been issued a notice, and the matter is set to be heard on April 15, 2024, by the special CBI court.
FAQs
1. Who is Praful Patel? Praful Patel is a former NCP MP and Union Minister of Civil Aviation.
2. What was the nature of the corruption allegations against Patel? The allegations related to the inflated acquisition of 111 aircraft by Air India Limited.
3. Why did the Supreme Court direct CBI to investigate the case? The Supreme Court directed the investigation based on allegations of corruption and kickbacks in the deal.
4. What was the outcome of the CBI investigation? The CBI has submitted a closure report, citing lack of evidence to support the allegations.
5. What is the next step in the case? The closure report will be heard by the special CBI court on April 15, 2024.
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