Says CBI action was carried out on Punjab and Haryana High Court orders; urges Centre to ensure time-bound probe before elections

Chandigarh, 07 October (H.S.): Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday said the time had come for the alleged corruption and “loot” under the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab to end, asserting that those responsible would have to face the people and answer for their actions.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Jakhar said the recent CBI action was carried out on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and not at the behest of the Government of India. He alleged that central agencies had repeatedly given the state government opportunities to investigate corruption-related matters on its own, but the government failed to conduct impartial probes.

Jakhar said the Punjab government’s alleged attempts to protect those close to the Chief Minister had ultimately brought the matter to the government’s own doorstep. Had the Punjab Police and Vigilance Bureau conducted impartial investigations, he claimed, the present situation could have been avoided.

He said he would urge the Government of India to ensure that the CBI investigation is completed within a stipulated timeframe in accordance with the court’s directions. He also called for providing the agency with adequate manpower so that all facts could come to light before the elections and the government’s alleged claims of being targeted could be examined on the basis of evidence.

Recounting developments over the past one-and-a-half years, Jakhar alleged that the alleged misuse of Punjab’s treasury increased after the AAP’s defeat in Delhi and the subsequent involvement of leaders from Delhi in Punjab’s affairs. He questioned why Cabinet meetings were allegedly being held at a particular bungalow instead of the Secretariat.

Jakhar further alleged that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s role in these meetings was largely limited to photographs, while Manish Sisodia took the major decisions. He alleged that a systematic conspiracy had been hatched to loot Punjab and claimed that those who had acted as “pawns” in the alleged arrangement were now worried about the consequences.

He also raised questions over the lack of progress in the alleged ₹5-crore bribery case. Taking a dig at AAP leaders, Jakhar claimed that some senior leaders were now considering becoming approvers as they allegedly believed they had received only a portion of the money, while a larger share had gone to the Delhi leadership.

Jakhar also demanded that investigations into cases involving DIG Bhullar and others be expedited and that action be taken against anyone named in Bhullar’s diary.

Responding to a question, Jakhar said honest officers had nothing to fear, while those involved in corruption would have to face the consequences.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH