The investigation into the fire at Justice Yashwant Varma's residence on March 14, 2025, has taken a new turn with the panel probing the incident reporting the sighting of an "unidentified man" near the burnt cash. The high-level judicial panel's inquiry into the incident has already revealed the presence of a significant amount of unexplained, burnt cash in the storeroom of the residence.
According to the inquiry report, the "unidentified person" was spotted in a photograph taken by first responders in the early hours of March 15, near the doused and partially burnt sacks of currency. The panel noted that the individual was wearing a check shirt, raising suspicions about their potential involvement in removing the cash pile between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. that day. The panel is investigating whether this individual collaborated with Justice Varma's private secretary, Rajinder Singh Karki, and other staff members, Mohd Rahil, Babloo, and Hanuman.
The judges committee, comprised of Punjab & Haryana Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, Himachal Pradesh CJ G.S. Sandhawalia, and Karnataka HC's Justice Anu Sivaraman, highlighted the presence of Justice Varma's daughter, ailing mother, Karki, and trusted servants at the 30, Tughlaq Crescent bungalow during the fire. The panel alleged that these individuals provided misleading statements, despite substantial evidence of the illegal cash and forensic authentication of electronic evidence.
Justice Varma's daughter, examined as Witness-54, and Karki, along with the three domestic staff members, denied seeing any burnt cash in the storeroom. However, the panel found this denial questionable. Details about the recruitment and long association of the domestic staff with Justice Varma have also come under scrutiny.
The inquiry report also revealed contradictions in the statements made by Rajinder Singh Karki. Karki initially claimed to have learned about the burnt currency six to seven days after the fire. However, the panel discovered a video where Karki's voice could be heard at the scene of the incident, contradicting his earlier statement.
The panel has deemed Justice Yashwant Varma responsible for misconduct, citing his and his family's control over the storeroom where the burnt cash was discovered. The report emphasizes that the half-burnt currency notes were highly suspicious and could not have been placed in the storeroom without the consent of Justice Varma or his family. The panel criticized Justice Varma's conduct after returning from Bhopal on March 15, noting that he did not inspect the site immediately, which they found unusual.
The discovery of the burnt cash and the subsequent inquiry have led to serious concerns about judicial integrity. The Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, has already shared an early investigation report, sparking numerous theories about a potential conspiracy against Justice Varma or potential misconduct.
The government has initiated the process of bringing an impeachment motion against Justice Varma in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, following the submission of the inquiry report to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The inquiry committee has recommended Justice Varma's removal, emphasizing that the legitimacy of the judicial office rests on public trust, which is eroded by any deficiency in conduct.
