In a major development in the Justice Yashwant Varma cash row, the Delhi Police have seized the mobile phones of eight police officers, including the Tughlaq Road police station's Station House Officer (SHO), Umesh Malik, and sent them for forensic examination. This action is part of the ongoing investigation into the discovery of semi-burnt sacks of Indian currency notes found at Justice Varma's residence after a fire incident on March 14, 2025.

Delhi Police Seizes Mobile Phones of 8 Cops

According to reports, apart from SHO Umesh Malik, the officers whose phones were seized include:

• Head Constable Roop Chand

• Sub-Inspector (SI) Rajneesh

• Two patrolling officers who arrived on a motorcycle

• Three other PCR personnel present at the scene

The mobile phones of all eight police officers have been sent for forensic examination to determine if any videos were recorded during their visit to the scene and whether any tampering was done. Sources suggest that the investigation is focused on verifying whether these officers documented the scene or were involved in any irregular activities related to the discovery of the cash.

Fire at Varma’s Residence Led to Cash Discovery

The controversy began after a fire broke out at the residence of Delhi High Court Judge Justice Yashwant Varma on March 14, 2025, which led to the shocking discovery of four to five semi-burnt sacks of Indian currency notes. The fire caused significant damage, and cracks developed on the walls of the room where the incident occurred due to excessive heat.

Following the discovery, an in-house committee of three judges, appointed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI), launched a deeper investigation to ascertain the origin of the cash and the sequence of events that led to the incident.

DCP Leads Team to Judge Varma’s Residence

On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, a Delhi Police team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Mahla visited the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma to question the staff and security personnel present during the incident. The six-member team included an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and other officials, who arrived at 30, Tughlaq Road bungalow around 1:50 pm and stayed for nearly two hours.

Police Inspected Site and Reviewed CCTV Footage

During their visit, the police team inspected the outhouse where the cash was allegedly found and reviewed CCTV footage from the cameras installed at the judge's residence. Sources confirmed that the team was accompanied by a videographer to record the entire inspection process.

The sequence of events from the night of the fire is being pieced together by questioning the staff, security personnel, and other witnesses who were present at the site. The fire personnel and police officers who responded to the emergency call are also likely to be questioned in the coming days.

Allegations and Denial by Justice Varma

Amid the unfolding controversy, Justice Yashwant Varma has denied all allegations linking him to the discovered cash. He stated that he was in Madhya Pradesh at the time of the incident and reiterated that neither he nor his family members had ever stored any cash in the storeroom where the semi-burnt sacks were found.

Judicial Inquiry and Internal Probe Underway

A three-judge panel constituted by the Chief Justice of India is conducting an in-house inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discovery of cash. The panel visited Justice Varma’s residence on Tuesday, March 25, and conducted a thorough inspection of the site. The panel aims to determine whether there was any foul play or misconduct associated with the incident.

Timeline of Events in the Case

1. March 14, 2025: A fire incident occurred at Justice Yashwant Varma's residence, leading to the discovery of semi-burnt sacks of Indian currency notes.

2. March 25, 2025: An in-house judicial panel visited the site to investigate the incident.

3. March 26, 2025: A Delhi Police team led by DCP Devesh Mahla inspected the site and questioned the staff and security personnel.

4. March 27, 2025: Delhi Police seized the mobile phones of eight police officers for forensic examination to check for possible video recordings and tampering.

Potential Tampering and Security Lapses

The seizure of mobile phones has raised questions about possible tampering of evidence or the recording of sensitive information at the scene. Investigators are keen to determine whether the police officers recorded videos or had prior knowledge about the cash stash. Forensic examination will provide insights into the content of the phones and any suspicious activity that occurred during the fire.

Concerns Over Judicial Integrity

The discovery of cash at a judge’s residence has stirred concerns about judicial integrity and raised public scrutiny over the transparency of high-profile investigations. The Chief Justice of India has emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to safeguard the credibility of the judiciary.

Future Course of Action

• Forensic results from the seized mobile phones will be crucial in determining whether any irregular activities occurred during the incident.

• The three-judge in-house panel will submit its report based on the findings from the police investigation and forensic analysis.

• Justice Yashwant Varma’s statement will be reviewed thoroughly to corroborate the facts with the evidence collected.

Conclusion

The Justice Yashwant Varma cash row has led to an intense investigation, with the Delhi Police seizing the mobile phones of eight police officers to ensure transparency. As the in-house judicial panel and Delhi Police continue their inquiries, the results of the forensic examination and the official findings are expected to shed light on the mystery surrounding the semi-burnt cash discovered after the fire.

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