SC orders probe into death of PF scam accused

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday has directed a judicial probe into the death of 43-year-old Asthana, prime accused and a key witness in the Ghaziabad multi-crore provident fund scam.

The court also ordered the UP government to provide protection to all other witnesses in the case.

This comes close on the heels of the UP government and the Law Ministry asking for a detailed investigation into his death on October 17.

Law Minister Veerappa Moily said, “If the UP government wants CBI enquiry, it will be roped in with SC order today and it will be probed very seriously and no one will be spared. I will ensure that matters like these are probed seriously.”

Asthana in his statement had indicted at least 36 judges including a Supreme Court judge for siphoning off Rs 7 crore from the provident fund of government employees.

Lodged in Dasna jail since last year, Asthana had frequently complained of threats to his life.

However, jail authorities deny any conspiracy and insist he died of a heart attack.

According to officials, Asthana complained of discomfort two hours after he ate breakfast on the morning of October 17.

He was rushed to the jail hospital where he was given medicines for acidity. Barely two hours later, he collapsed within jail premises.

Five doctors conducted his post mortem but strangely, could not determine the cause of death. The Supreme Court has now directed his viscera to be re-examined.

Asthana’s post mortem report had revealed of massive blood clot in Asthana's brain, kidneys and small intestine and heavy bleeding in both his spleen and lungs.

The CBI which is already investigating the PF scam will now also probe Asthana's death, a task which is not going to be easy for the premier agency.

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#Provident Fund scam #Asthana #custodial death #