CBI questions Gehlot's OSD in Rajasthan police officer's suicide case

Two months after a 45-year-old policeman in Rajasthan was found dead in his house, CBI officials on Tuesday (July 21) questioned Deva Ram Saini, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, in connection with the incident.

On May 23, the body of Vishnudutt Vishnoi, the station house officer (SHO) of Rajgarh, was found hanging from the ceiling of his residence in police quarters in Churu. Later, Vishnoi’s brother lodged a complaint with the Rajasthan police claiming that the police officer had ended his life as he was under pressure, reported NDTV.

After the state government handed over the case to the central agency, a team of special crime unit of the CBI from Delhi arrived in Jaipur to record statements in connection with the death of Vishnoi. Sources said the agency was conducting the investigation in a professional manner as Rajasthan is gripped by a political turmoil.

The agency on Monday (July 20) evening questioned Congress MLA Krishna Poonia for nearly three hours at her home in Jaipur, the sources said. People are being examined to know various aspects of the case and it does not mean that they are accused as a final picture will emerge only after completion of the probe, the sources added.

The Rajasthan police had recovered two suicide notes from Vishnoi — one addressed to his parents and the other to the superintendent of police of the district. In the suicide note to the SP, Vishnoi had said he was not able to bear the pressure put on him. Vishnoi added that he had tried to give his best to the Rajasthan Police.

Leaders of the BJP and the BSP have alleged that the officer, who was known for his honesty and hard work, was being pressured by Congress MLA Poonia, a charge that she has denied.

(With inputs from agencies)