KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday adjourned hearing in West Bengal government's plea against the CBI's attempt to question Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar at his residence in connection with chit fund scam cases. The HC adjourned the case till Thursday stating that hearing in the matter is underway in the Supreme Court.


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Meanwhile, the apex court while hearing the matter directed the Police Commissioner to make himself available to the CBI and fully cooperate in the probe. 


Attorney General KK Venugopal had also pleaded before the SC to initiate contempt of court proceedings against the state authorities. Responding to the plea, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said that the contempt petition will be dealt with later. However, the SC has issued a notice to the Commissioner, DGP and West Bengal government on contempt plea. Replies in the contempt petition filed by CBI have to be placed by West Bengal chief secretary, DGP on or before Feb 18.


Though in a relief for the Kolkata Police Commissioner, the SC said that no coercive steps, including his arrest can take place. 


Reacting to the SC observations, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that Rajeev Kumar never said he'll not be available for investigation. "He said we want to meet at a mutual place. He had said that if the CBI wants any clarification, they can come and a conversation can be held at a mutual place," she said.


Asserting that the SC decision is a morale booster for the state officers, she said: "They (CBI) wanted to arrest him. They went to his house, on a secret operation on Sunday, without any notice. We are obliged that the court has said that no arrest can be made. It will strengthen the morale of the officers."