Himachal minister approaches speaker invoking anti-defection law against 3 MLAs
The three MLAs' petition is pending in the high court against the Speaker for not approving their resignation from the State Legislative Assembly.
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau in Himachal Pradesh on Monday questioned former Chief Secretary in a case of alleged corruption for grant of permission for purchase of land under section 118 of HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act.
The case pertains to the tenure of the retired IAS officer, presently holding a constitutional post in Himachal Pradesh, as Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue in 2011.
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau had registered a case against the said officer on 21 Match, 2011 under the provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act.
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A senior official in the vigilance bureau confirmed that the former CS was called for questioning. “He may be called again for questioning as he hasn’t cooperated fully,” he said.
The former CS was not available for comments. The Vigilance Bureau is re-examining the case against him after the court directive two months back, which said that the case should be investigated further based on evidence.
Vigilance sources said there was a telephone recording of his conversation with businessmen from Parwanoo and Panchkula regarding land deal.
The issue was pushed under the carpet after the Congress came to power in Himachal Pradesh in 2012 as the officer was perceived to be close to the then Congress bosses.
He held the posting of Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and later Chief Secretary in previous Congress government.
Official sources said a closure report was filed in the case before the Special Judge in the previous regime only. However, with the Court taking serious view of the matter, the case is being re-examined now.
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