KOCHI:The CBI probing the sensational lottery scam is yet to receive the documents and evidence it sought from the Bhutan Government, creating hassle for completion of the probe.
The CBI, which registered 32 cases in connection with the lottery scam, has filed chargesheets in cases involving sale of Sikkim lotteries in Kerala. The central agency has been waiting for more than three years for response from the Bhutan Government, in connection with one case involving sale of Bhutan lotteries in Kerala.
According officials, 30 out of the 32 cases probed by the CBI are related to sale of Sikkim lotteries, one case related to Bhutan lotteries and one case related to a fire incident at the office of Megha Distributors in Palakkad. After conducting investigation, the CBI had closed 24 cases, and filed chargesheets in seven cases at the Ernakulam Chief Judicial Magistrate Court.
“The chargesheet in the case registered in connection with sale on Bhutan lotteries is pending as we have not received details of the contract between the Bhutan Government, lottery printers and distributors. In some cases, it is alleged that distributors printed and sold more lotteries than stipulated in the agreement. Investigations based on evidence collected in Kerala have been completed. But, involvement of persons from Bhutan could not be confirmed due absence of details from there,” said a CBI official.
Despite repeated requests for the release of documents, there is a cold response from Bhutan. The CBI is now planning to file the chargesheet with available evidence.