Rajpath Club appoints former lokayukta to probe ‘irregularities’ during ex-president Dani’s tenure

The board wants Justice Soni to probe cricket betting incident that led to police raid on its premises, instances of substandard food, a software company being paid Rs 35 lakh despite incomplete work and discrepancies in multi-level parking project causing a loss of 5-6 crore, said Patel.

“Similarly, the issue of membership transfer after a member expires has also not been followed in many cases, which needs to be investigated as this constitutes criminal offence as per club rules. The board decided that discrepancies by the former management should be probed and Justice SM Soni was appointed to head the probe and he accepted this position almost 15 days back,” he said.

Patel said Soni will receive assistance from the club administration in the probe at its premises and his recommendation will be taken up by the club to initiate proceedings against its past president for the alleged discrepancies. Dani said, “I will give my clarifications when asked by the former high court judge.”

Incidentally, the final counting of Rajpath Club poll votes had taken place in presence of officials appointed by the High Court under the supervision of Observer Justice (Retired) DA Mehta at the Diamond Hall of the club and was kept in a sealed cover at the club premises and disclosed Tuesday.

The high-profile club, which has financial reserves of Rs 78 crore and over 10,500 members, saw the poll process conducted under the watch of poll observer — Judge (retired) D A Mehta appointed by Gujarat HC and the counting of the votes was also undertaken by 32 Class I officers appointed by Gujarat High Court, as well as the six advocates suggested by the competing panels in March.