Irrigation Scam: Punjab VB to question ex-additional chief secy KBS Sidhu

Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Friday summoned former additional chief secretary Punjab KBS Sidhu in multi-crore irrigation scam. Sidhu who has returned from United States, has been asked to appear before the probe team at the VB headquarters.

Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Friday summoned former additional chief secretary Punjab KBS Sidhu in multi-crore irrigation scam. Sidhu who has returned from United States, has been asked to appear before the probe team at the VB headquarters.

The bench of Justice Raj Mohan Singh had advised Sidhu to come to India. Earlier, the VB had issued look out circular against the retired officer but he had challenged it before the court. (Representational photo)

Sidhu, who had gone abroad and came back from the United States after the Punjab and Haryana high court last month gave interim relief to him in the irrigation scam case, directing the VB to take no coercive action against him to secure his presence till February 8, 2023, the date of next hearing.

The bench of Justice Raj Mohan Singh had advised Sidhu to come to India. Earlier, the VB had issued look out circular against the retired officer but he had challenged it before the court.

Sidhu, alongwith former chief secretary Sarvesh Kaushal, and retired IAS KS Pannu are the three officers, whose roles are under probe in the alleged scam involving around contractor Gurinder Singh.

On December 6, the High court had restrained Punjab VB from taking any coercive step against former chief secretary and 1982-batch retired IAS, Kaushal as well whose role is being probed in the alleged irrigation scam reported during the SAD-BJP government’s tenure from 2012-17. Kaushal is also in the US and has been directed by the court to join the probe. The VB has also probed former irrigationminister and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sharanjit Dhillon in the case.