Bus service: ACB asks transport chief to join investigation

NEW DELHI: The anti-corruption branch probing graft allegations related to the government’s proposal to launch an app-based premium bus service, sent a second notice to the transport commissioner after he did not turn up at the ACB office on Wednesday.

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Sources in the ACB said the anti-graft branch had sent the first notice to the commissioner, asking him to join investigation, on Wednesday morning but he did not show up.

“We summoned him again and made it clear in the notice that legal action will be taken if he does not turn up at the ACB headquarters,” the sources said.

Government sources said he could not appear before the ACB as he was on leave and would join the investigation soon.

The ACB had launched a probe after receiving a complaint from leader of opposition in the Delhi assembly, Vijender Gupta, on Tuesday.

In his complaint to ACB chief Mukesh Meena, Gupta said the Lieutenant Governor had not lent his approval to the scheme as claimed in the Delhi government notification.

Gupta said it was a breach of trust by the secretary-cum-transport commissioner who allegedly misused the Lieutenant Governor’s in the notification.

ACB chief Meena ordered a preliminary enquiry into Gupta’s complaint and assigned it to a senior Inspector. Sources said the ACB could summon other transport department officers and a senior minister.

Gupta in his complaint said the scheme was not urgent and that the government should have followed the procedure of consulting the law and finance department.

The L-G had put the scheme on hold on the grounds that it required his approval. The AAP government had planned to launch the app- based premium bus service from June 1.

According to Gupta’s complaint, the government had issued the notification without even deciding the bus route for the service.

The transport commissioner was not available for comments despite repeated attempts.