Bribe was discussed in front of Buta, says accused

The accused in the bribery case involving National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Chairman Buta Singh's son has claimed that the former Congress leader was present in the meeting when the bribe was discussed.

The accused, Anup Beghe, has also said that the bribe was discussed at Buta Singh's house in Delhi. Beghe named Buta Singh in CBI interrogation.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested Beghe on July 28.

Earlier, Buta Singh reacted sharply to the arrest of his son, Sarabjot Singh, saying that it's part of conspiracy against him.

"It is part of conspiracy to damage my career, family. When I took over as Bihar governor, my elder son faced similar controversy, said Buta Singh.

He alleged that political forces were behind the issue and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had been pressurised to arrest his son.

He further ruled out resigning over the issue.

"The person who has accused my son has 11 cases against him. Why should I resign? If I do that I will be giving in to their hands," he said.

Earlier, Buta's son Sarabjot Singh alias Sweety was arrested by the CBI for allegedly taking Rs one crore as bribe.

Sarabjot is alleged to have demanded Rs three crore as a bribe from a Nashik-based contractor Ramarao Patil.

He allegedly threatened the contractor, saying he would register a case under the Atrocities Act against him.

Here are the key players in the case:

• Buta Singh, Chairman of the SC/ST Commission
• Sarabjot or Sweetie Singh, Buta's son, who was apparently acting on the behest of his father.
• Ramrao Patil, a contractor from whom Buta Singh and Sweetie Singh were allegedly demanding Rs three crore as bribe.
• Anup Beghe, a Congress worker who was arrested by the CBI with the first installment of the bribe money at Mumbai Central station on July 28. He was carrying this money allegedly on behalf of Buta's son.