FIR filed,Bedi charged with cheating

“We have registered a case of cheating,criminal breach of trust and criminal conspiracy under IPC Sections 420,406 and 120 (B) against Bedi,in compliance with the court’s order,” said Ashok Chand,Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime).

He confirmed that police will also probe the charges of inflated air fare invoices submitted by Bedi to the host NGOs,as first reported by The Indian Express.

As per FIR No. 302,the activist had “looted various paramilitary forces and state police organisations” through her trusts — India Vision Foundation and Navjyoti Foundation.

“The modus operandi opted by her was to impart free computer training through ‘Meri Police’ (indiapolice.in) under the banner of her trust ‘India Vision Foundation’ to family members and the personnel of BPRD,BSF,CISF,ITBP,CRPF and various state police organisations. Microsoft also made a donation of more than Rs 50 lakh for the said free computer training,” the FIR read.

It further stated that instead of imparting free training or distributing free computers,Bedi,in collusion with some unknown persons,cheated ‘Vedanta Foundation’. She allegedly planned to collect Rs 20,000 per month per training centre. For the purpose of siphoning money for herself,Bedi entered into a donation agreement with Vedanta,according to which,Rs 6,000 out of total money of Rs 20,000 was to be paid to her two trusts on the false ground that she had arranged for the land and the electricity for the centres for running their activities.

“Whereas,the truth is that the said facilities of land and electricity are arranged only by these police organisations and Bedi has nothing to do with the arrangements. Neither Kiran Bedi nor any of her associates disclosed this fact to Vedanta that they are illegally charging them Rs 6,000 per centre as the expenses for rent of building and charges of electricity,” the FIR said..

Bedi,the FIR read,and her two trusts are liable to be charged under Prevention of Corruption Act for taking pecuniary benefits from such police organisations. When Microsoft came to know about the aforesaid cheating and fraud,they discontinued further help and donations to her trust,it added.

Bedi is also accused of inflating all expenses and submitting fake invoices. The FIR alleged that Bedi misused names of various government organisations.

Bedi tweeted on Sunday afternoon: “Having been a cop,I have the sound evidence and endurance to deal with this FIR. Time will tell. It will only strengthen my resolve to do more.”

Team Anna sources said it is now for Anna Hazare to take a final call on Bedi’s continuance in the team.