CBI completes probe into Heptulla morphing case

The Central Bureau of Investigation has rejected allegations of deliberate delay in the photo morphing case involving NDA's vice presidential candidate Najma Heptulla. The case relates to the morphing of a 1958 photo of Maulana Azad to show Heptulla seated next to him.

A CBI official said, "The photo morphing case is almost solved. The experts’ report has clearly stated morphing has been proved in the photo of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad."

The investigating agency refused to be drawn into allegations, levelled by Feroz Bakht Ahmed, grandson of Maulana Azad's brother, that it was deliberately delaying the case.

"It is not appropriate to comment on what relatives say in an ongoing case, but there is never a deliberate delay in any case by the agency", CBI spokesman G Mohanty said.

Earlier, Feroz Bakht had charged the CBI with going slow. "The preliminary inquiry was instituted by the CBI almost a year back after directions from the High Court. It is surprising the CBI has not been able to file an FIR till now", Bakht said.

The CBI wants investigations in other cases of corruption in the Indian Council for Cultural Relations also to be completed so that FIRs could be registered together, along with the photo morphing case.

"We hope to complete investigations in other cases of financial embezzlement also soon", a CBI official said.