NEW DELHI - National Commission for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Chairman Buta Singh on Friday termed the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) questioning of his son Sarabjot Singh in connection with a bribery scam as a political conspiracy against him and members of his family.

“It is a conspiracy against me and members of my family. This is not the first time that I have been targeted. Not just me, my family as well. There are political elements involved in this conspiracy. I know who they are, but I will not name them,” said the former Union Home Minister at a press conference here.

Singh said that he was holding a constitutional post, and if it was proved that he had done something illegal, it would be a blot on his over four decade long career in politics which he would never be able to live down.

“Earlier, my elder son was targeted when I was the Governor of Bihar. I approached the CBI in connection with this case and asked them to carry out an investigation. I told them to go ahead and question my son. I have been the Home Minister of the country and I know that the CBI cannot act without someone putting pressure on them. The CBI is being pressured to file a case against my son,” claimed Buta Singh

“I am not defending anybody. I will not quit my post during or even after this case is solved. I will seek time with the Prime Minister to discuss this issue,” Singh said.

According to sources, Sarabjot allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs. one crore from a Nashik-based contractor to close a case that was before the Commission. Sarabjot had earlier claimed innocence, saying it was a conspiracy against him and that he was being framed.

Sarabjot was arrested by the Anti Corruption Branch of the CBI on Thursday evening in New Delhi and was taken to investigating agency’s Mumbai office.

In the wake of his arrest, the opposition has called for Buta Singh’s resignation from the Commission.

Senior BJ leader Gopinath Munde said, “Buta Singh must resign immediately.”

According to sources, Ramraj Patil, a Nashik-based civic works contractor, filed a corruption case on the basis of complaint.

In his complaint, Patil had alleged that Sarabjot had demanded a bribe of Rs.3 crore, which was later brought down to Rs.1 crore, for withdrawal of a case under the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, filed against Patil by a group of local conservancy workers employed by him. (ANI)