Thind may face another inquiry

The cell, wound up by the BJP government last month, was set-up by the Congress government to re-investigate some important cases of timber smuggling and idol thefts in Kinnaur.

Highly placed sources said that since Thind stands repatriated to his parent department, the government is preparing itself for ordering a follow-up action on the report submitted by senior IAS officer Avay Shukla, regarding payment of a commission of Rs 9 lakh to a Chandigarh-based private firm on supply of cartons and packing trays to the Jammu amp; Kashmir government by Agro-packaging India Limited APIL.

Shukla, who was then the horticulture secretary, had recommended a special audit of the APIL affairs and also a vigilance inquiry into certain decision of the corporation.

However, instead of acting on the recommendations of Shukla, the Congress government sidetracked the issue and subsequently shifted Shukla from his position to Himachal Pradesh Marketing Corporation its managing director, which was a junior post.

Though Shukla continued to insist for a special audit and vigilance probe till he was shifted, some senior government officials including two IAS officers scuttled the move. Even orders issued for withdrawing Thind8217;s powers were reversed on instructions from the then political bosses.