CVC to Fin Min: Probe both sides complaints

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC),which began an in-house inquiry into allegations made by former SEBI board member K M Abraham against Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his advisor Omita Paul,has now begun an inquiry into allegations against Abraham too. These include his purchase of a property.

The CVC has asked the finance ministry and its vigilance wing to send their responses on both sets of allegations Abrahams and those made by SEBI chief U K Sinha. After that,the CVC will decide if the CBI has to be called in.

Abrahams allegations were received in Satarkta Bhavan when there was no Central Vigilance Commissioner in place. Pradeep Kumar,the new CVC,is known to have examined both sets of complaints.

While there was an indication that Abraham had also marked his complaints directly to the CBI as well,CBI sources said they would now rather wait for the CVC to refer the cases.