AMARESHWAR SAHAY,J. - (1.) HEARD Mr. A.K. Sinha, learned Senior Counsel for the petitioner and Mr. A.K. Kashyap, learned Senior Counsel for the State Vigilance. The petitioner prays for bail in connection with a case registered by the Vigilance Department under sections 409, 420, 423, 424, 465 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code and sections 7, 10, 11 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
(2.) THE allegations, in short in the F.I.R. are that the petitioner, who was a Minister in the Government of Jharkhand in between February, 2005 to January, 2009, by misusing his coveted post, surpassed all limits of corruption and amassed huge properties, movable and immovable, committing embezzlement of crores of rupees in pipe supply scam and iodized salt scam. During the said period, the petitioner purchased landed properties in the District of Ranchi as well as in other parts of the country in his name and in the name of his wife, daughters and son and other family members. In the marriage of his daughter with the son of a Minister of Maharashtra, he spent huge sum of money and it was most expensive marriage in the history of Jharkhand in which he hired six chartered planes. In the said marriage, he gave gift to his daughter of about 5 crores. It has further been alleged that at the time of filing his Nomination Form on 17.1.2005 in order to contest the Assembly Election in the year 2005, he declared his assets standing in his name and in the name of his family members. As per the said declaration, he was in possession of a total properties and assets worth Rs. 9,04,453/- (Rupees nine lacs four thousand four hundred fifty three) including cash as well gold and landed and house property whereas his wife Madhu Singh possessed cash of Rs. 5,000/- (Rupees five thousand) only in the Bank and she had ornaments worth Rs. 40,000/- (Rupees forty thousand) only.
(3.) AS it appears, in course of investigation, a questionnaire was supplied to the petitioner whereby he was asked to give reply to the questions relating to the properties/assets acquired by him during the period he was holding the post of a Minister. The petitioner replied to the said queries. The investigating officer made investigation and found even from the details of properties supplied by the petitioner, during the check period, i.e., from February, 2005 to January, 2009, he amassed huge movable and immovable properties worth of crores.;