Visually-impaired man summoned to identify 19 accused in Vyapam scam:CBI’s methods under scrutiny; witness asks how he can recall events from 15 years ago

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), probing Madhya Pradesh’s high-profile Vyapam scam, is facing criticism after it summoned a visually impaired man to testify. Hiralal Baghel, now working as an LDC in a government ministry, received the notice for the 2009 PMT (Pre-Medical Test) case. The summons has raised questions about the agency’s verification process. Summons to Hiralal Baghel Hiralal has been asked to appear before the special CBI court in Gwalior on 24 December. The notice warns that failure to appear could result in an arrest warrant. How Hiralal got the notice Hiralal recalls, “On 4 December, I got a call from the Kukshi Tehsil office. They said there was an important notice for me. When I read it, I was stunned.” The notice required him to testify in connection with the 2009 PMT scam. It mentioned only his name, without his father’s name or address. His age was listed as zero. Hiralal says the notice was incomplete and confusing. CBI office confusion When Hiralal visited the CBI office at Char Imli, Bhopal, he was told to go to the office in Professor Colony. He was informed that the CBI had sent the notice because they were looking for someone named Hiralal in Kukshi. Hiralal’s helplessness Hiralal says, “I have been visually impaired since birth. In 2009, I was only 15 years old and studying in ninth grade at my village school. I had no idea about PMT or this scam. How could I have been involved?” He adds, “This notice has mentally affected me and my family. I cannot sleep at night fearing arrest. I have lived my life with dignity, and now I am being pressured to participate in a case that has nothing to do with me.” About the 2009 PMT Scam The 2009 PMT scam involved fake candidates, called solvers, appearing in place of genuine students at examination centres in Gwalior. These candidates used false documents to get ineligible students selected through Vyapam. Originally investigated by Madhya Pradesh Police, the case had 19 accused. In 2016, the investigation was handed over to the CBI. Now, 9 years later, witnesses are being called. Questions raised on CBI investigation This incident has raised serious questions about the CBI’s functioning. Many ask whether the agency verified Hiralal’s capability before issuing the summons. Hiralal asks, “Did a prestigious agency like CBI check if the person summoned could physically and circumstantially testify?” Attempts by Dainik Bhaskar to contact CBI officials on this matter went unanswered.