Burning Cash Mystery: Was Justice Verma’s Fire an Attempt to Destroy Evidence?
- India South Asia
Shreya Naskar
- March 24, 2025
- 0
- 99
- 4 minutes read

The recent controversy surrounding Delhi High Court judge Yashwanth Verma has sparked intense debate about judicial accountability and transparency. The incident took an unexpected turn when a video, aired by Republic News, allegedly captured officials at the scene stating, “Mahatma Gandhi is burning,” a remark suggesting the destruction of large amounts of cash at the judge’s residence. The case has since raised serious concerns about corruption, external pressures on judicial institutions, and the potential involvement of a larger network of individuals.
The Incident: A Fire and Alleged Evidence of Corruption- A fire broke out at the official residence of Justice Verma, attracting immediate attention due to reports of large quantities of cash burning in the flames. According to sources, junior reporters from Republic News who attempted to document the incident were warned against recording or were instructed to delete any footage they managed to capture. Further controversy arose when the fire chief, who initially confirmed seeing piles of cash burning, later retracted his statement, claiming he had not witnessed any currency at the scene. This contradiction has fueled speculation about possible external influence and suppression of critical evidence. Adding to the intrigue, there was a reported 17-hour delay in informing the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court about the incident. This delay has led to pressing questions: Why was the information not relayed immediately? Was there an attempt to protect Justice Verma or others involved? Who stands to gain from preventing a transparent investigation?
Can this incident be a question on the Judiciary? The judiciary is expected to function independently, free from political or financial influence. However, this incident raises concerns about external interference and the potential manipulation of judicial processes. If true, these allegations point to deeper systemic issues within the judicial framework. Reports suggest that approximately ₹15 crore in cash was burnt in Justice Verma’s residence, strongly indicating illicit financial activity. The source and purpose of this money remain unknown, but speculation suggests it could be linked to bribery or other illegal transactions, calling into question the integrity of past judicial decisions. Who Is Protecting Justice Verma? The conflicting statements from officials, the suppression of media coverage, and the delay in reporting the incident all suggest that influential individuals or groups may be working to shield Justice Verma. This raises significant questions: Who is applying pressure on officials to alter their statements? Is this an isolated case, or does it point to a larger network within the judiciary? What role, if any, do political or corporate entities play in this controversy?

Potential Consequences and Legal Ramifications: If the allegations are proven, Justice Verma could face severe legal consequences, including:
- Criminal Charges: Possession of unexplained wealth and destruction of evidence could lead to prosecution under anti-corruption laws.
- Judicial Reforms: This case may prompt a reevaluation of oversight mechanisms to ensure greater transparency in the judiciary.
3. Public Trust Erosion: Restoring confidence in the judicial system will require stringent actions and systemic reforms to prevent similar occurrences.
The burning cash scandal involving Justice Verma has highlighted serious issues related to judicial accountability and corruption. As investigations continue, the process must remain impartial and transparent. The judiciary serves as the cornerstone of democracy, and any compromise in its integrity threatens the very foundation of justice in India. The nation now awaits the outcome of the inquiry, hoping for a fair resolution that upholds the principles of law and governance. After all these, was the fire an attempt to destroy evidence?