New Delhi: Rajeev Kumar, former Kolkata police commissioner, failed to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today (September 17) in connection with the Saradha ponzi scam case. 

At the same time, a  special court in Barasat refused to hear Kumar's plea, saying it does not have jurisdiction to hear anticipatory bail prayers. Sources said Kumar may move the court of Barasat district sessions judge with his application.

Also read: Mamata Banerjee to meet PM Modi as former Kolkata top cop faces CBI heat in Saradha scam

Sources said Kumar did not appear for questioning twice in spite of CBI notices after the Calcutta high court withdrew the protection given to him from arrest on Friday (September 13).

The West Bengal DGP, in a letter on Monday (September 16), had told the CBI that its notices were sent to Kumar's official residence and his response is awaited.

In the letter, the top police official had said that through his lawyer, Kumar had intimated him that he is on leave till September 25. It also said that he is trying legal remedies available to him.

Rajeev Kumar's alleged link to the case:
Rajeev Kumar was heading the special investigation team constituted by the Bengal state government to probe the chit fund case. CBI alleged that Rajeev Kumar destroyed some evidence which he collected during the investigation.

CBI also claimed that Rajeev Kumar did not handover the call record details of few accused to the agency when the case was transferred to the CBI.