THE Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will probe the alleged scrap theft case in the Bhilai Steel Plant following a complaint by MLA Rikesh Sen and his repeated demand for a central agency investigation. The Government of Chhattisgarh has issued a gazette notification paving the way for the CBI to take up the investigation. The case was registered at Purani Bhilai police station. On May 26, the Durg police had raided A K Traders, a factory located in the Hathkhoj industrial area.

 

During the raid, police seized vehicles worth around Rs 3.20 crore and about 250 tonnes of scrap valued at nearly Rs 90 lakh. The Durg police have so far arrested 19 people in connection with the case. Five accused, including Sanjay Singh, have been granted bail, while three businessmen have obtained anticipatory bail. A few transporters are also suspected to be involved in the alleged theft. MLA Rikesh Sen had repeatedly demanded a probe by a central investigating agency, citing the seriousness of the case. Following the gazette notification issued by the Chhattisgarh Government, the CBI will now take over the investigation.