MHA Under Secretary Anand Joshi, accused of corruption, leaves home 'in search of peace'

New Delhi: Anand Joshi, Under Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, who stands accused of corruption and murky dealings with certain NGOs, has reportedly left his home.

As per reports, Joshi left his home this morning and left behind a letter informing the family of his move.

“I am going through a lot of mental harassment. I need peace which isn't possible here, I'm leaving home,” the officer said in the letter.

“I was serving the nation with integrity and patriotism, had never thought something like this could happen to me,” he added.

As per the family, “he (Joshi) went somewhere in the morning... (we) found a letter left by him”.

The development came just ahead of Joshi's questioning by the CBI.

Reacting to the development, the CBI today said, “Never harassed Anand Joshi... searches were carried out as part of the probe.”

Posted in the Foreigners Division of the Ministry, Joshi reportedly had access to files related to Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

 

He is also reportedly accused of removing critical files linked to a probe against activist Teesta Setalvad.

As per sources, Joshi has also been accused of accepting bribes for getting FCRA clearances done.

Refuting the allegations, Joshi had said that he was `pressurised` by his superior to give clean chits to some organisations.

The CBI had on Monday registered a case against the Under Secretary under Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act, after conducting raids at four locations, including Joshi`s residence and office.

The CBI had said that cash worth Rs 7.5 lakh and certain `incriminating documents`, including files pertaining to MHA and Ministry of I&B, were recovered from the premises of the officer during the raid.

(With ANI inputs)