Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has turned down the report submitted by vigilance Minister Atishi, seeking suspension of chief secretary Naresh Kumar in the Bamnoli land acquisition matter, which pertains to giving ‘undue benefit' of Rs 897 crore to people related to chief secretary's son.
The LG's stand will help the cause of Naresh Kumar, who is expecting service extension of one year from his due date of retirement on November 30, 2023.
Naresh Kumar
The LG stated that the report appears to be “completely based” on the minister's preconceived assumptions and presumptions.
The LG said that the report prepared by the vigilance minister lacked an unbroken chain of evidence and is based on preconceived assumptions.
“It is surprising and unfortunate that this report, dealing with sensitive vigilance-related matters, is already in the public domain. Its details have been widely reported in the media, which could potentially hamper the ongoing investigation,” the LG noted.
Saxena questioned the motive of the supposed enquiry and suspected that the report is being at starting a media trial and politicise the issue.
In the same case, the union ministry of home affairs has suspended 2013 batch IAS Hemant Kumar and sought CBI probe against him for alleged irregularities in awarding compensation for land acquisition in southwest Delhi's Bamnoli village.
The LG said that the matter is already under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) based on his approval.
Why the timing of report is critical?
The chief secretary of Delhi Naresh Kumar, 1987 batch is due to retire on November 30, 2023. The LG has sent a proposal of extension of his tenure by one year to central government. The AAP government doesn't want Naresh Kumar to remain the chief secretary.
“The issue of corruption in land acquisition and suspected role of chief secretary is being raked up just to tarnish his image so that Naresh Kumar doesn't get the extension,” said an official.
If Kumar gets the extension, he will be the first chief secretary of Delhi government to get the extension.
The BuckStopper, run by a group of seasoned journalists, holds the powerful accountable. The buck stops with them, as they cannot shrug off their official responsibilities.
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