CBI arrests Punjab BJP MLA for graft,names minister too

The arrests come just a day after another CPS,Shan Singh Thandal,resigned following his conviction in a corruption case

The ruling SAD-BJP government suffered another setback on Thursday when the CBI arrested senior BJP MLA and Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Finance),Raj Khurana,and an official of the Registrar,Firms and Societies,Punjab,Devinder Singh,for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 1.5 crore for resolving a complaint related to a land dispute.

The CBI claimed that part of the bribe amount was meant for BJPs seniormost minister Manoranjan Kalia,who,as Industries Minister,is ranked at number three in the Badal cabinet. Kalia,however,was not available for comment.

The arrests come just a day after another CPS,Shan Singh Thandal,resigned following his conviction in a corruption case on Monday.

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According to sources,the CBI received a complaint from Manpreet Singh of the Punjab Auto Mechanic Association,alleging that Khurana and Devinder Singh had demanded a bribe of Rs 2.5 crore to resolve a complaint against the association related to a land dispute. The deal was reportedly struck at Rs 1.5 crore.

Manpreet was allegedly warned that the government would take over control of the association and a criminal case would be registered against its office-bearers if he did not pay. Devinder Singh reportedly told him that he had approached Kalia,through Khurana,for closing the complaint and the money would have to be given to the minister. On Wednesday evening,Manpreet went to Khuranas house with the money. He was followed by the CBI team,which arrested the duo.