Punjab governor unhappy with CBI probe into land deals

Following the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) asking the CBI to probe the allotment of land for two mega projects by the Chandigarh Administration, the Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gen. S F Rodrigues is learnt to have apprised the Prime Minister Office (PMO) of the facts relating to the projects.

Following the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) asking the CBI to probe the allotment of land for two mega projects by the Chandigarh Administration, the Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gen. S F Rodrigues is learnt to have apprised the Prime Minister Office (PMO) of the facts relating to the projects.

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“General Rodrigues has expressed anguish over the developments and the manner in which the CVC proceeded with the case and referred it to the CBI,” said a top government source who did not want to be identified. The UT Administration so far has maintained that both mega projects in question — Film City and Amusement-cum-Theme park — were allotted after following due procedures.

On whether the PMO has summoned the Governor over the issue, a Punjab Raj Bhawan official said: “The Governor’s office has no such information. There is no truth in it.”

The Punjab Governor’s five-year term ends in November.

On Wednesday, Hindustan Times had published a news report that the CVC referred the case to the CBI for further investigation last week after finding prima facie violation of rules in the allotments.

In December 2008, the CVC launched an inquiry into the controversial projects after allegations were levelled against the UT Administration that some mega projects, including Film City and Amusement-cum-Theme Park were approved by the administration disregarding the rules and procedures.

Subsequently, the CVC had launched an inquiry into the allotment of land for some mega projects to private players.

The allotment of mega projects came into public domain late last year following a rift between the UT Administrator Gen Rodrigues and his advisor Pradeep Mehra over the allotments.

The projects came under the CVC scanner following the allegations in the media. The UT Administration had, however, issued a detailed clarification in local newspapers, ruling out the possibility of any wrongdoing in the allotments.