IAS Gagandeep Singh Brar, a 2004 batch promotee officer in Punjab government is under the radar of vigilance bureau. One of the most powerful officers during Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP rule, will now have to face enquiry into disproportionate assets.
Presently serving as administrative secretary in the department of welfare of freedom fighters, Brar had served as special principal secretary to chief minister during Badal government from 2007 to 2017. Being a close relative of Badal, Brar is said to have enjoyed all the privileges of a ‘special' officer.
The vigilance bureau has summoned Brar to join investigation in alleged disproportionate assets on last Monday. But he did not appear citing reason of bad health. The bureau has rescheduled the enquiry date to October 19 when Brar will have to face investigation in Chandigarh.
According to sources, the bureau has already prepared a list of assets, which include commercial and residential properties in Chandigarh.
Sources said that AAP government government is on cleansing drive. After putting several ministers of Congress government behind bars, vigilance bureau has now stepped up heat on beneficiaries of SAD-BJP rule.
“The scope has now been expanded to SAD-BJP government also. The vigilance bureau is likely to summon some big names, setting up enquiry of Badal's closest officer is just a step towards that,” the official said.
The Vigilance Bureau has already caught many former ministers of previous Congress government like former food minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, former forest minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot and former industry minister Sham Sunder Arora among others.
Even former chief minister Charanjeet Singh Channi is facing probe in case of disproportionate assets.
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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