Sibal suspends his additional secy for graft

Sibal has since ordered a formal inquiry into the incident and asked for disciplinary action to be initiated against Buta, who was at the Department of Science and Technology before joining Sibal’s personal staff eight months ago.

Yesterday, Sibal called for a meeting of his entire staff where he warned officials that strict action would be taken against anyone who was found to be involved in any wheeling-dealing, individually or on his behalf.

Confirming the development, Sibal told The Indian Express: ‘‘I was shocked at the blatant manner in which my name was being used to swing a tender. How can a minister be expected to keep watch on every phone call that is being made from his or her Secretariat? This is a serious matter and an indication of what all goes on in Central Ministries.’’

Hinting at the fact that corruption could be running deeper in his Ministry, Sibal said: ‘‘I was surprised at the stiff resistance I faced from other members of my staff when I decided to suspend the Secretary. I have now given instructions that all complaints about misdemeanour should be sent directly to me. I have also activated a complaint cell of the Ministry headed by an Officer on Special Duty.’’ The Director of the National Brain Research Institute, Dr Vijayalakshmi Ravindranath, had reportedly first informed a senior ministry official about the ‘‘pressure’’ the Ministers Additional Private Secretary was putting on her for awarding the tender to a particular party. Once Sibal learnt about it, she agreed to submit a formal complaint.