Lok Pal IG transferred

Ghakar,as IG (Lok Pal),was the inquiry officer in two probes initiated against the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal in connection with “illegal plying” of private air-conditioned buses and a controversy over land worth Rs 100 crore belonging to Nagar Panchayat Begowal.

As the new IGP (Patiala) – considered a plum posting in the official circles – Ghakar would have two DIGs and six SSPs reporting to him. He will be in charge of six districts – Patiala,Sangrur,Mohali,Ropar,SBS Nagar and Barnala.

Significantly,the state is yet to appoint an officer to replace Ghakar. Both the inquires,which were being handled by Ghakar,are likely to be delayed as the new incumbent,whenever appointed,would hold inquiries afresh,sources said.

In the land grab case,in which a complaint was filed on August 29 this year,the complainant George Shubh,a Begowal resident had stated that CM Parkash Singh Badal had allegedly patronised the accused. The complainant had alleged that former SGPC president Jagir Kaur had constructed a boundary wall around the disputed land and proposed to construct Sant Prem Singh International Centre there,sources said.

The Punjab Lok Pal had ordered an inquiry against Kaur and the Chief Minister for alleged encroachment upon about 12 acres of land worth Rs 100 crore belonging to the Begowal Nagar Panchayat and had then asked Ghakar to inquire into the matter and submit a report within one-and-a-half months.

Also,last month,the Punjab Lok Pal had ordered an inquiry against the CM and his son,deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal in connection with “illegal plying” of private air-conditioned buses from Punjab to Chandigarh. The inquiry was ordered on the complaint of advocate Arvind Thakur who,in his complaint,had alleged that on September 9,2007,Badal wrote to the then Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gen (Retd) SF Rodrigues regarding entrance of and plying of private buses in Chandigarh. He alleged that from this letter it is evident how Badal and then Principal Secretary Transport,Punjab,DS Jaspal along with Rodrigues connived with each other for permission regarding plying of private buses in Chandigarh. The basic reason of the letter was to get permission through Rodrigues so that the private buses owned by near and dear ones of Badal can enter into Chandigarh. Also 73 route permits were cleared for operation of the AC buses from Punjab to Chandigarh and vice-versa,the complainant had added.

Ghakar had started an inquiry into the case and had summoned the record and officials.

Smelling a rat in the transfer order,Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira said,“the state Lok Pal is defunct and now with IGP changed and no new officer in his place,the situation has further deteriorated. The Badals and their influential colleagues are trying to derail the inquiries and has thus transferred the officer. They will try to keep the post vacant purposely. We will move high court against gross misuse of authority”.

Principal Secretary (Home and Justice),Punjab DS Bains declined to comment on the issue.

Punjab Lok Pal Justice DS Dhaliwal (Retd),when contacted,chose to remain mum on the issue and said,“Please do not disturb me. I am not well.’’