Ranchi, Dec 4 (IANS) Former Jharkhand minister Bandhu Tirkey was Friday interrogated by the vigilance bureau in a graft case in which former chief minister Madhu Koda is allegedly involved.
Tirkey, who was human resources department (HRD) minister in the Koda cabinet, appeared before the vigilance bureau Friday and was questioned for nearly three and a half hours. According to sources in the vigilance, Tirkey presented his version and submitted details of the source of his income, assets and other things.

Koda was arrested Monday along with another former minister Kamlesh Singh in the graft case.

“I myself took the initiative and informed the vigilance bureau to appear before them. I informed the vigilance that I was free from the elections now,” said Tirkey, who contested the state assembly election from Madar constituency. Polling for Mandar seat was held Dec 2.

“I want speedy investigation so that I can get a clean chit of the charges leveled against me,” he told reporters.

The vigilance bureau had lodged a first information report (FIR) against Koda and three former cabinet colleagues - Kamlesh Singh, Bhanu Pratap Sahi and Bandhu Tirkey - July 22. The charges against them include siphoning government money, cheating, amassing assets beyond their known sources of income and misusing their official positions.

Their houses were raided July 24. The vigilance department seized documents related to huge investments, land and jewellery. From Tirkey’s house a revolver was also seized.

Koda and Kamlesh Singh were arrested Monday. Bhanu Pratap Sahi did not meet the vigilance bureau Friday.

Koda is also at the centre of a Rs.2,500 money laundering scam.