Netas seek probe into MCD scam

A day after the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) discovered 22,853 ghost employees on its rolls, political leaders sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the multi crore salary scam on Thursday.

A day after the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) discovered 22,853 ghost employees on its rolls, political leaders sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the multi crore salary scam on Thursday.

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The leaders included Mayor Dr Kanwar Sain - although he clarified that his is not a political post, Leader of the House Subhash Arya, Leader of Opposition Jai Kishen Sharma and former Standing Committee chairman Vijender Gupta.

Thanks to the biometric attendance system, the MCD has ascertained the number of ghost employees. "An investigation needs to be done as to which officials appointed and approved these employees?" Dr Sain said. "We have already written to the Lt Governor regarding this and I seek a CBI inquiry into the whole matter."

Arya too demanded CBI probe but said, "The Commissioner has been asked to file a report in a month. If that does not happen, we will approach CBI."

Gupta and Sharma too joined the chorus for the central probe. However, all the leaders were equivocal in blaming the babudom (officials) for the scam.

Sharma defended the politicians as he said, "We can only refer somebody to help him/her … but ultimately appointments are done by the Commissioner."

Gupta has demanded "stern disciplinary action against the drawing and disbursal officers along with the field officers."

Commissioner K S Mehra told HT, "It will be too early for me to comment. The matter is being further investigated."