A Supreme Court appointed inquiry panel has sealed the room at Justice Yashwant Varma’s residence where a fire broke out and sacks of cash were allegedly spotted sources confirmed. The room was secured Wednesday after a joint inspection by a Supreme Court official and a senior police officer.
Investigation Underway, But Key Evidence Compromised
Authorities videotaped and photographed the site before sealing it, but concerns remain over possible tampering of evidence. Reports indicate that debris allegedly containing burnt cash was removed on March 15 long before forensic experts could examine it. Who cleared it remains unknown, as no police officers were present at the time.
Despite demands for a forensic examination, sources say the investigation team is still assessing the available material. The CCTV footage from Justice Varma’s house has not yet been seized, raising further questions about the integrity of the probe.
On the night of March 14, when cash was reportedly seen at the judge’s residence, Delhi Police officers at the scene alerted their seniors. However, without clear instructions, they left the premises after being asked to leave by Justice Varma’s personal secretary (PS). The judge himself was not at home, as he and his wife were in Bhopal.
According to sources, no efforts were made to secure the scene, despite the serious nature of the discovery. A New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) electrical team had attributed the fire to a short circuit, and since no casualties were reported, the site was left unguarded.
Phones of Over 25 Officials Under Scrutiny
The three-member Supreme Court panel, comprising Justice Sheel Nagu, Justice G.S. Sandhawalia, and Justice Anu Sivaraman, is reviewing phone data from over 25 individuals. This includes firefighters, police officers, NDMC personnel, and Justice Varma’s staff, all of whom captured videos and photos of the cash at the scene.
Meanwhile, firefighters and police officers present at the scene have been questioned. Investigators are also set to summon the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), New Delhi, to explain why no action was taken to secure the location. Sources say while the DCP was informed on the night of the incident, details were only passed on to higher police authorities by 8 a.m. on March 15.
Conflicting Reports on Fire Notification
According to Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya’s report, the fire was reported to the Police Control Room (PCR) by Justice Varma’s personal secretary, using an official mobile number registered with the Delhi High Court. However, Justice Varma’s own statement contradicts this, claiming that his daughter and private secretary first alerted the fire department.
As the probe unfolds, investigators are scrutinizing inconsistencies in the accounts given by various officials. The inquiry is expected to determine whether critical evidence was deliberately removed and if there was an attempt to cover up the presence of cash at the judge’s residence.
