Probe against CM, 8 ministers as per the book: Lokayukta
Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta Justice P P Naolekar said his agency was not going "soft" in the probe against Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his eight ministers in the dumper purchase case.
Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta Justice P P Naolekar said his agency was not going "soft" in the probe against Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his eight ministers in the dumper purchase case.
"We are carrying out the probe against Chouhan and his eight ministers according to the book. We are not soft on anyone in our probes," Lokayukta said in an interview.
"We rely on evidence and it takes time to gather legal proof against those holding high positions", Naolekar said.
"If any one comes to us with a complaint backed with some evidence against ministers, they are welcome. We will carry out probes to the logical end as what matters to us is legal evidence which can stand in the court," he said.
"We take time to build a strong case against the accused in the probes and that's why our conviction rate was 70 per cent high," the Lokayukta remarked.
Justice Naolekar, who is a retired Supreme Court judge, said that faith in Lokayukta-the special establishment of police formed to check corruption-was increasing, as more and more people have started approaching their organisation with complaints.
In the last one year, the number of complaints reaching us has gone up considerably," the Lokayukta said.
Asked whether he was satisfied with the powers given to Lokayukta, Justice Naolekar said that he felt that his recommendation to the government in cases should be made binding.
"If we carry out an initial inquiry against an official and after recording the statement of complainant and defendant, and thereafter ask the government for action like Departmental Enquiry (DE) or other things against him/her, my suggestion should be honoured," Justice Naolekar, who completed one year in the office on June 1, said.