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N. K. Jain surrenders to CBI
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, May 9 — Chandigarh Home Secretary N.K. Jain, who has been on leave since March 21, surrendered before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) here this afternoon. A case under the Prevention of Corruption Act was registered against him by the special cell of the CBI on April 6.

It may be recalled that the anticipatory bail application moved by Mr Jain before the special CBI court, the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court had been rejected. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed his “custodial interrogation”. Though a special leave petition (SLP) was moved against the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the apex court dismissed it.

Though Mr Jain had intimated that he would make himself available before the investigating officer of the CBI on Monday after reaching the city on Sunday evening, he kept the media guessing throughout yesterday. Newsmen kept on getting telephone calls from various sources about the possible appearance of Mr Jain before the special CBI court in Sector 17 or at the CBI office.

Around 2 pm Mr Jain drove to the CBI office. He had his face covered when he was immediately escorted to the investigation officer in the case. Mr Jain conveyed that he would be reaching the CBI office on Tuesday. His plea was reportedly accepted by the CBI.

Though there was no official intimation about Mr Jain’s surrender, it is presumed that he has been arrested in the case and would be produced before the special CBI court tomorrow for police or judicial remand.

Sources in the Administration said the CBI had summoned two UT officials as witnesses in connection with the case registered recently following a confessional statement made by Office Superintendent K.B. Goel that he had acted as the middleman of Mr Jain and accepted bribes on behalf of the Home Secretary from the employees, including teachers.

The sources also maintained that there was no official intimation from the CBI about the surrender of Mr Jain.