Probe too little, too late, Akali Dal wants minister removed

This is a clear case of corruption, benami deals and possibly even hawala transactions. It would have been better if the CM had handed over the case to the ED. DALJIT SINGH CHEEMA , SAD spokesman

CHANDIGARH: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday termed the judicial inquiry ordered into the alleged acquisition of sand mines through multi-crore transactions by ‘servants and employees’ of irrigation and power minister Rana Gurjit Singh as too little, too late.

SAD also demanded sacking of the minister for a free and fair probe. In a statement, former minister and SAD spokesman Daljit Singh Cheema said the allegations against Rana Gurjit were as good as proved. “Rana has admitted that his Nepalese cook who earns a few thousand made a successful bid for a Rs 26 crore sand and gravel mining site. Other employees of Rana have also bagged mining sites taking the total amount of investment by the employees to Rs 50 crore. The minister has agreed to all this but has come out with a lame excuse that the beneficiaries are no longer his employees. This is unbelievable,” said Cheema.

The SAD leader said the judicial inquiry would not serve the purpose.

“This is a clear case of corruption, benami deals and possibly even hawala transactions. It would have been better if chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh had handed over the case to the Enforcement Directorate besides involving the income tax authorities,” suggested Cheema. The SAD also pointed out that no action had been taken against the officials who had facilitated Rana Gurjit’s benaami transactions. “Such officials should be identified and strict action should be taken against them also”, he added.