After giving clean chit, CBI wants to probe Pune adoption scam

Two years after giving a clean chit to Pune-based adoption house, Preet Mandir, the Central Bureau of Investigation now feels that further probe is required in the adoption scam.

Two years ago a news channel, after a sting operation on the adoption house, claimed that the organisation was involved in sale of babies to foreigners for USD 12,000. Two NGOs - Advait Foundation and Sakhi - had filed a PIL in 2006 after the sting operation.

However, in October 2007 the CBI had submitted a report to the Bombay High Court giving Preet Mandir a clean chit. In July 2008 the HC allowed Preet Mandir to go ahead with international adoptions.

Stating that the report does not include certain aspects, additional solicitor general, Darius Khambatta, has now stated that further investigation is required in the matter.

The division bench of Justice Bilal Nazki and Justice A R Joshi has asked the CBI to file an affidavit stating that they require further investigation. “File affidavit so that we can locate the officer who deceived us then by filing the ‘insufficient’ report. Otherwise we would not have passed orders earlier,” Justice Nazki said.