What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
If the CBI finds evidence, it will file a regular case or criminal case
NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) has started a preliminary enquiry (PE) over accusation of any misappropriation of funds in the renovation of the government residence of Delhi chief minister located at Civil Lines area, adding a rider that it was not against any elected representative including the CM, the CBI has said.
“This inquiry is not against Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. It’s only to find out if there are were any lapses by any bureaucrat,” said a top CBI official.
PE is not a criminal case but only start of a criminal investigation.
The CBI on Monday had written a letter to the public works department (PWD) of Delhi government, saying “the PE has been registered against unknown public servants of govt of NCT of Delhi on allegation of major irregularities and misconduct, with respect to construction of new residential building..” a letter by CBI to PWD said.
The CBI has sought documents of record sheets and notes of officers, approval of the building plan, proposal on alteration and request from client work.
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The construction of official residence the Delhi chief minister had come under watch only after a TV channel Times Now Navbharat channel and its anchor Sushant Sinha ran a campaign, while accusing AAP government of irregularities in the renovation of residence-cum-camp office and a part of its new construction.
CM Arvind Kejriwal, who has been known for an austere and unassuming lifestyle, had so far not reacted publically to the Times group.
Sinha was recently among the 14 TV anchors who were included in a list for boycott by the INDIA alliance parties over allegations of bias towards the ruling party at Centre.
The CM house is located in North Delhi’s Civil Lines area.
The construction was done under the supervision of PWD (public works departments). After the allegations, Delhi LG VK Saxena had ordered a probe and asked the vigilance department to conduct the initial inquiry. It was alleged that the house was renovated with the cost of Rs 45 crore.
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The LG had also forwarded the matter with the CBI. The CBI has now ordered the PE into the matter. This had led to a huge political fight between the AAP led Delhi government and the BJP. The AAP has however, refuted the allegations.
In the month of August, the vigilance department of Delhi had issued a show cause notice to the engineers of PWD Department involved in renovation the CM house.
The matter was also heard by the High Court wherein Rahul Mehra, Advocate appeared on behalf of Chief Minister Delhi as well as Minister (PWD) and made a statement before the High Court that no coercive steps will be taken by the respondents against these engineers till the next date of hearing. That was opposed by the Special Secretary (Vigilance) who was present in the court.
