The Hindu : New Delhi News : CBI raids surprise DCP's colleagues

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Friday, Apr 08, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

CBI raids surprise DCP's colleagues

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, APRIL 7. Raids carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation at the residence and office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Supreme Court Security), A.A. Farooquee, came as a surprise to his family members and colleagues. However, the CBI said the raids, which were part of a nationwide drive to stamp out corruption among public servants, were conducted after gathering credible intelligence.

Around 8-30 a.m. on Wednesday, CBI officials landed at the office of the DCP and also at his official residence in Rajouri Garden. Later, the CBI claimed that the officer possessed Rs. 82.55 lakhs worth of assets of which Rs. 61.55 lakhs was disproportionate to his known sources of income.

While CBI officials remained tight-lipped about the recoveries made at his house, they said he owned a commercial complex in Batla House and a flat at Mayur Vihar in East Delhi.

According to a CBI official, the investigating agency had been keeping an eye on his activities for the past few months and had gathered enough evidence before carrying out the raid. A case of possessing assets disproportionate to his known source of income has been registered against him and further recoveries are likely.

However, police sources claimed that it was difficult to believe that Farooquee, an officer of the DANIPS cadre, could be involved in such undesirable activities.

In the past few years, Farooquee has headed the Delhi Armed Police battalion and was subsequently posted as Principal of the Police Training College. Last year, he was asked to look after the Supreme Court security. Earlier, in 2000, he was DCP (Anti-Corruption Branch). Sources claimed that he was seldom associated with "active" postings and had been sincere about discharging his duty.

They further added that Farooquee was also deeply involved in academic pursuits. He had written novels and had recently hosted a reception to welcome a renowned poet from the United Arab Emirates. The CBI official said the agency was aware of his multi-faceted personality.

"It may be surprising, but we are going strictly by what investigations have revealed," he said.

Farooquee has also been keeping ill for about a year.

"He was down with jaundice for many months. He was on medical leave for a long time," said a police officer.

A member of his family said: "It is difficult for us to believe. He was quite honest about his duty."

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