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CBI seize Rs 10.23 million from DD station director

The Central Bureau of Investigation today arrested Doordarshan station director M B Pahari after two days of simultaneous raids on his premises revealed that he had property worth Rs 10.74 million, including Rs 10.23 million in cash, much beyond his known sources of income.

A bureau release said that during raids at his residences in three places in Delhi and Haryana, officials found that Dr Pahari owned a self-financing scheme flat at Dwarka, an apartment at Surajkund near Delhi, and a commercial premise at Masjid Moth area, totally valued at Rs 2.6 million.

Documents showing bank balance and investments in National Savings Certificates totaling Rs 5,36,000 were also seized. A case has been registered against the DD official under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The seized cash, found kept in suitcases and bags, included United States dollars and British pound sterling. Gold jewelry seized from the official was valued at Rs 700,000.

The raids were conducted at the residential premises of Dr Pahari at Andrews Ganj Extension, Charmwood and Surajkund, Haryana. The official had household items worth Rs 1.3 million, including three air-conditioners, four colour television sets, about 100 suit lengths, 60 wrist watches and 30 bottles of liquor.

The CBI said it had registered a case also against one Naveen Kohli, proprietor of Messrs Video Track, New Delhi. It was alleged that Dr Pahari had conspired with Video Track in the matter of telecast of programmes produced by the firm as well as hiring of its studio facilities for Delhi Doordarshan Kendra by abusing his official position.

The official gave ''huge business'' to the company in the past four years. In view of the favours shown by the Dr Pahari, the firm allegedly arranged for the purchase of the Surajkund flat.

UNI

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