The investigation spree into the high-profile 1200 crores irrigation department scam began today with Vigilance Bureau’s questioning the then head of the department of former IAS officer Kahan Singh Pannu.
The first summons from the department came days after CM Bhagwant Mann gave his nod to launch an investigation into the case which include two other IAS officers Sarvesh Kaushal and Karanbir Singh Sidhu and as many ministers Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, and Janmeja Singh Sekhon from the previous Akali government.
Complying with the summon IAS officer Pannu was questioned on an extensive range of matters including the matter on which the tenders were allocated to contractors during his tenure.
Questions related to the accused contractor Gurinder Singh Bhapa were also raised, besides other important matters related to the case. The Vigilance will question other high-profile figures in the case in the coming days owing to reach a consensus.
It is pertinent to mention here that High Court has also asked for the status report on the matter as early as the 31st of October on the matter. Based on reports Vigilance might call Pannu again over extensive questioning if deemed necessary.
The allegation under which the following case hovers is that Pannu has green signaled over 4 tenders worth crores to Millionaire contractor Gurinder Singh in the past 10 years. Gurinder Singh’s company was worth 4.75 crores in 2006 which became 300 crores in 2010.
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After the scam came to light, the pension, and allowances of the three IAS were stopped. With the approval of the CM for questioning, the file was sent to the Chief Secretary's office for further action. Vigilance has prepared a list of extensive questions which will be taken up to grill the three officers.
The responsibility of interrogation has been assigned to 2 AIG, 2 DSPs, and 1 Inspector rank officer. For this, the CM approved the inquiry on the report of the committee. LoC has been issued to prevent all three from escaping abroad.
Contractor Gurinder Singh had told the Vigilance that the three IAS were given a commission of Rs 21 crore and both the ministers were given a commission of Rs 10 crore.
Based on the preliminary investigation the Vigilance revealed that the accused contractor Bhapa had connections in the Irrigation Department with all the top brass officers and postings were even made in the department based on his choice.