Cash for vote scam: 6 ex-MLAs of Congress, BJP, JMM chargesheeted

NEW DELHI: CBI today filed three separate charge sheets against former Jharkhand MLAs from Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and BJP in connection with the alleged cash-for-vote scam during 2010 Rajya Sabha elections.

In the first charge sheet, CBI named the then Congress MLAs Rajesh Ranjan, Yogendra Sao and Sawna Lakra, in second Simon Marandi of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and in third Umashankar Akela of BJP.

The agency has filed these charge sheets in the special court in Ranchi, sources said.

CBI had filed FIR in the case relating to a media expose where the six MLAs were allegedly caught on tape expressing willingness to vote in favour of a particular candidate in return for monetary gains.

In January 2013, the Jharkhand High Court had directed the CBI to take over probe into cash-for-vote allegations linked to 2010 Rajya Sabha elections and also look into whether any vigilance official was hindering progress in the case.