No action on inspector’s statement on graft share

Sources in the Vigilance Department said that some senior Food and Civil Supplies Department officials have also been accused by Mahajan in his confessional statement, but investigation is not being pursued to that level due to political pressure. In his statement during interrogation Mahajan had named some senior officers who seek a share in the graft, and revealed how a monthly meeting is held to monitor such arrangements. Though Sidhu confirmed having recorded such a statement, he was silent on further investigations into the matter. He said relevant facts had been placed before senior authorities for further action.

However, Food and Civil Supplies Comptroller Nishan Singh Multani denied charges of graft in his department. Reacting to the confessional statement of Mahajan, he said monthly meetings were held to review departmental functioning.

Distancing himself from Mahajan’s arrest, he said: “He was supposed to verify the complaints of irregularities against Saini. If anything has happened at grass root level, how am I responsible for Mahajan’s action?” Referring to complaints against the depot holder he said: “Supply to Saini’s depot was suspended twice earlier on similar grounds."