Former minister labels complaint politically motivated, challenges accuser
Key Points:
• Roy refutes graft allegations, terms FIR bundle of lies
• Accuses Health Minister Gupta of orchestrating complaint
• Challenges critics to publicly release relevant documents
JAMSHEDPUR – Jamshedpur East MLA and former Jharkhand minister Saryu Roy vehemently denies corruption allegations, labeling the recent FIR as politically motivated and baseless.
Roy forcefully rejects the accusations made against him in a First Information Report (FIR) filed at Argora police station in Ranchi.
"This FIR is nothing but a bundle of lies based on half-truths and distorted facts," Roy stated emphatically.
He asserts that the complaint was lodged at the behest of Jharkhand’s current Health Minister, Banna Gupta.
Roy alleges that Gupta, along with former Congress MP Dr. Ajoy Kumar, is using this FIR as propaganda material to tarnish his image.
"They are exploiting this fabricated complaint as a publicity tool against me," Roy remarked.
The MLA emphasizes that similar accusations have been made and publicized multiple times since 2021.
Chronology of Allegations
Roy meticulously outlines the history of these allegations:
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In March 2021, Jamshedpur BJP leader Abhay Singh first raised these charges.
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BJP leader Devendra Singh reiterated the allegations in November 2022.
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A BJP delegation, led by then-district president Gunjan Yadav, presented a memorandum to the Governor on July 2, 2021.
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Jamshedpur district BJP general secretary Rakesh Singh repeated the accusations on July 4, 2021.
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A Telco resident, G. Kumar, wrote to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) with similar claims.
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Vinay Kumar of Gayatri Nagar filed a petition in the Jharkhand High Court, which was dismissed.
"This persistent repetition of baseless accusations amounts to forum hunting by disturbed minds," Roy commented.
Aahar Patrika Controversy
Addressing the Aahar Patrika issue, Roy provides a detailed explanation:
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The magazine’s publisher and printer were selected through a transparent tender process.
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All district supply offices confirmed receiving the stipulated number of magazine copies.
"The Food Supply Minister is fabricating a scam where none exists," Roy stated firmly.
He challenges Gupta to objectively refute the facts he has presented.
"I dare Minister Gupta to make the relevant file pages public," Roy declared.
Questioning the Accuser
Roy raises doubts about the credibility of the complainant, Manoj Singh:
He alleges Singh has a checkered background with previous entanglement with the law.
"Singh has reportedly been associated with a major known ‘unwanted group’ in Ranchi," Roy claimed.
The MLA asserts that Singh is currently working for the Congress party.
Counter-Allegations and Challenge
Roy counters by mentioning corruption allegations he has raised against Gupta:
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He claims to have provided evidence of scams in the Health Department.
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Roy criticizes the Chief Minister for not acting on this evidence.
"I’ve filed complaints about several scams in the Health Department under Gupta’s leadership," Roy stated.
He challenges Gupta to disprove any accusations he has made.
"Instead of addressing the real issues, they’re using this FIR as a diversionary tactic," Roy commented.
Call for Transparency
Roy concludes by presenting facts from the relevant file regarding the Aahar Patrika issue.
He reiterates his demand for complete transparency in the matter.
"I challenge Minister Gupta to prove any of these documented facts wrong," Roy declared.
The MLA stands firm in his denial of all allegations, maintaining that the FIR is a politically motivated attempt to discredit him.
As this controversy unfolds, it continues to add fuel to the already heated political climate in Jharkhand.
