New Delhi: The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice B. R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, has slated October 17, 2025 for hearing the CBI’s plea against anticipatory bail granted to IPS officer Rajeev Kumar in the Saradha chit fund scam.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, requested the bench to club this plea with other pending petitions—including a pending contempt petition—to enable a holistic review of the case.
During preliminary proceedings, Chief Justice Gavai did not mince words, asking why the matter should remain pending when “you have done nothing during all these years.”
Saradha Chit Fund Case: The Cycle of Bail, Custody & Investigation
Grant of Anticipatory Bail (2019): On October 1, 2019, the Calcutta High Court granted anticipatory bail to Rajeev Kumar.
No Summons, No Action? His counsel claims that in the six years since bail was granted, the CBI has not summoned him even once for questioning.
CBI’s Argument: The central agency insists that custodial interrogation is crucial. They also accuse Kumar of tampering with evidence, such as erasing call records and withholding documents while heading the original SIT investigating the case.
Contempt Plea Link: The CBI has asked to club the bail challenge with a related contempt petition for integrated judicial scrutiny.
Backdrop: The Saradha Chit Fund Case & Kumar’s Role
The Saradha chit fund case, one of India’s largest financial scandals, surfaced in 2013 and is estimated to have duped investors of ₹2,500+ crore across multiple states.
During that time, Rajeev Kumar served as the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner, heading the SIT set up by the West Bengal government. In 2014, the Supreme Court transferred investigation of the Saradha and similar chit fund cases to the CBI.
The CBI has accused Kumar of shielding accused persons, concealing FIRs, and interfering with call data records and documentary evidence.
Kumar, meanwhile, progressed through the ranks and currently serves as the Director General of West Bengal Police (DGP).
Saradha Chit Fund Case : What to Expect on Oct 17
The court may decide whether to vacate or uphold the anticipatory bail order. If bail is revoked, the CBI may seek his custodial remand for fresh investigation.
The bench might also decide if related petitions must be heard together, giving a broader view into evidence handling and accountability.
In short, October 17 could be the turning point in this decade-old legal saga.
