NEW DELHI: Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has rejected a report from Vigilance Minister Atishi, alleging the "prima facie complicity" of Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar in the Bamnoli land acquisition case.
According to Raj Niwas officials on Sunday, Saxena refused to consider the report, stating that it appears to be "completely based" on the minister's preconceived assumptions and presumptions, and could hinder the ongoing investigation rather than facilitate it.
In a file noting on the government's submission of the report, Saxena expressed surprise and disappointment that the confidential report had already become public, with its details widely reported in the media. He noted that the leaked information seems to suggest that the inquiry's motive was not to uncover the truth but to initiate a media trial and politicize the issue, especially since it is currently before the Supreme Court.
Saxena raised concerns about whether this approach could create a public perception of prejudice, aiming to influence the courts. He pointed out that the matter is already under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), approved by him based on recommendations from the Chief Secretary and the Divisional Commissioner. Therefore, he considered the recommendation for Kumar's suspension as prejudiced and devoid of merit.
Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar has denied any wrongdoing, alleging that individuals with "vested interests" are engaging in "mudslinging" against him in response to vigilance action taken for corruption. The 670-page report from the vigilance minister, submitted to the LG by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's office, calls for Kumar's suspension and claims that the scale of "undue benefits" in the matter exceeds Rs 897 crore. The 19-acre land in question was acquired by the National Highways Authority of India in 2018 for the construction of the Dwarka Expressway.
(With agency inputs)
