Already under cloud over irregularities in the recruitment of over 3000 junior basic teachers, the findings of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the selections to Haryana Civil Service (executive branch) on nominations basis mean fresh trouble for the former chief minister and INLD president Om Prakash Chautala, besides providing ammunition to the ruling Congress.
The CBI report has come at a time when a resurgent INLD is gradually mounting an attack on the Bhupinder Singh Hooda government in Haryana on issues of corruption, irregularities in land deals and favoritism in recruitments ahead of the 2014 parliamentary and assembly polls. The revelations, which have again pointed towards alleged irregularities in recruitments made during the INLD rule, are likely to blunt its charge on the state government.
In its inquiry report submitted in the Supreme Court last month, the CBI has recommended registration of corruption cases against Chautala, the then transport minister and INLD state unit chief Ashok Arora, the then chief secretaries Sunil Ahuja and AN Mathur, the then principal secretary to chief minister, BD Dhalia, the then revenue secretary KC Sharma, the then finance commissioner, transport, RN Prasher and others for the alleged irregularities in
2003-04.
The investigating agency has sought directions from the apex court for registration of a case under Sections 120-B, 420, 468 and 471 of the IPC and under Sections 13(1)(d) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
against them, besides some others. The CBI preliminary enquiry found that Chautala had arbitrarily raised the age limit from 45 years to 50 years and reduced the minimum work experience from five to three years “with a deliberate intent, with the sole objective of favouring certain candidates as part of a criminal conspiracy”.
The investigating agency has sought directions from the apex court for registration of a case under Sections 120-B, 420, 468 and 471 of the IPC and under Sections 13(1)(d) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
against them, besides some others. The CBI preliminary enquiry found that Chautala had arbitrarily raised the age limit from 45 years to 50 years and reduced the minimum work experience from five to three years “with a deliberate intent, with the sole objective of favouring certain candidates as part of a criminal conspiracy”.
Also, a committee headed by the then chief secretary recommended 15 tehsildars and a district revenue officer to the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) for appointment to the HCS (executive branch). While one of the successful candidates was son of Dhalia, another was a nephew of Arora. This was done while ignoring the claims of those who had better annual confidential report (ACR) grading, according to the CBI report.
The CBI was asked to inquire into the alleged irregularities initially by the Punjab and Haryana High Court and later by the Supreme Court. The agency has also recommended departmental proceedings against the then excise and taxation commissioner SN Roy (a serving IAS officer). It may be recalled that the Punjab and Haryana High Court had on September 1, 2005, ordered the CBI probe on petitions filed by some of the candidates, following which the CBI registered a preliminary enquiry on October 18, 2005. The HPSC had moved the SC challenging the HC order. The SC, however, had allowed the CBI probe to continue its probe.