SHO Tughlaq Road Police Station and four other cops summoned by Delhi Police Commissioner and asked to hand over their phones and cooperate in investigations against alleged cash found in the premises of Justice Yashwant Varma :

The controversy surrounding Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma has taken a new turn, as five police personnel who were among the first responders to the fire at his residence on March 14 have now submitted their mobile phones to the Delhi Police headquarters for examination. According to a report by The Indian Express, these devices will be scrutinized as part of an ongoing inquiry into the incident.

The probe is being conducted by a three-member committee of judges appointed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna. The committee was set up following serious allegations that a substantial amount of cash was discovered at the judge’s residence in the aftermath of the fire. These claims have raised significant concerns and drawn attention to the case, prompting further investigation.

The five police personnel who have handed over their phones include the station house officer (SHO) of Tughlaq Road police station, a sub-inspector, two head constables, and a constable. On March 24, they were called in for questioning by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, who reportedly urged them to cooperate fully with the inquiry. He emphasized the importance of transparency in the investigation and encouraged them to share any relevant details without hesitation.

Fire Response and Investigation Reports

Amid the ongoing probe, the New Delhi district police has submitted two separate reports to the police chief. One of these reports states that the emergency call regarding the fire was placed by Justice Varma’s personal assistant. It further mentions that fire tenders arrived at the scene before the police and that officials from the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) were also present during the firefighting operation.

According to the report, the fire was brought under control within approximately 20 minutes. However, the allegations about the discovery of cash at the scene have led to widespread speculation and have made the case a focal point of legal and political discussions.

Justice Varma Refutes Allegations

In response to the claims circulating about the presence of cash at his residence, Justice Yashwant Varma has issued a strong denial. He stated that when the fire broke out around midnight, his daughter and his private secretary immediately alerted the fire department, ensuring a swift response from the authorities. He also asserted that their calls would be officially recorded, confirming the sequence of events.

Justice Varma explained that during the firefighting operation, all household members and staff were instructed to stay away from the affected area due to safety concerns. He emphasized that after the fire was completely extinguished and people were allowed to return, neither he nor anyone else at the residence found any cash or currency at the scene. His categorical denial aims to dispel rumors and suspicions regarding any undisclosed financial transactions or illicit cash storage at his home.

Justice Varma’s Transfer to Allahabad High Court

In a separate but related development, the Supreme Court on Monday formally recommended Justice Varma’s transfer to the Allahabad High Court. The timing of this recommendation has fueled further speculation about the potential implications of the ongoing controversy. While judicial transfers are a routine administrative matter, the coincidence of this decision with the current inquiry has led many to question whether the move is connected to the case.

With multiple layers of inquiry unfolding, including forensic examinations of the mobile phones and official reports from various agencies, the controversy surrounding Justice Yashwant Varma remains under intense scrutiny. The coming weeks are expected to bring further clarity on the case as the judicial committee continues its probe and law enforcement agencies analyze the collected evidence.