Missing Iranian carpets: HC seeks Raje govt’s response

The Rajasthan high court on Wednesday sought the state government’s response on a petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into alleged disappearance of precious government carpets during Chief Minister <g data-gr-id="24">Vasundahra</g> Raje’s previous tenure.

A single judge Bench of Justice MN Bhandari issued <g data-gr-id="19">notice</g> to the government on a petition filed by one RS Kaswan, who has alleged that the case is not being properly investigated. The Iranian carpets, as alleged, were sent by government-run Khasa Kothi hotel to Raje during her previous term as Chief Minister.

The government had lodged an FIR in the case in November 2009, immediately after an <g data-gr-id="23">inhouse</g> inquiry revealed that PWD official Rakesh <g data-gr-id="20">Bhargav</g> had handed over the missing carpets to <g data-gr-id="21">Dheerender</g> <g data-gr-id="22">Kamthan</g>, working as OSD to Raje.

In 2009, a single judge Bench of the High Court had stayed the arrest of <g data-gr-id="17">Kamthan</g> and Bhargav.

In 2011, the High Court had directed the police to get handwriting of the alleged receipt of handing over and taking over of the missing carpets examined by forensic experts.