No need to set up panel after I cancelled sale, says Khemka...

Locking horns with the Haryana government, senior IAS officer Ashok Khemka on Monday said there was no need to set up a committee after he cancelled the sale of over three acres of land to realty major DLF following a deal with businessman Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Khemka, who kicked up a political storm three weeks ago alleging irregularities in Vadra-DLF land deals, on Monday met Haryana Chief Secretary P K Chaudhery. Following the meeting, the IAS officer faced a volley of questions from mediapersons.

Asked if the probe into alleged irregularities relating to Robert Vadra-DLF land deals was heading into the right direction, especially after the constitution of the committee, Khemka said: "I have not got any notice (regarding setting up of the committee). Neither they (the committee members) have called me nor I am aware of the probe they have been conducting."

Khemka, who had been transferred to another department, said he felt there was no need to set up the committee in the first instance. "If anyone has felt aggrieved against my orders, the right jurisdiction lies with the high court... The government, Robert Vadra, the DLF or any affected department like the town and country planning or any other office could have approached the high court," he said.

"This is the due process as per the law. But, if you (govt) don't believe in this and form any other committee, it indicates you don't have faith in the Constitution... which is a matter of great regret," Khemka added.

On October 16, the Haryana government had ordered an inquiry after Khemka cancelled the mutation of the land deal. "The state government has nonetheless ordered an inquiry into all the issues (irregularities) raised by Khemka in the land deals," Chaudhery had earlier stated.

... contd.

ALSO READ

'Shootout At Wadala' producer Ekta Kapoor apologises, Valmiki Samaj unperturbed

Theatres in Punjab cancel 'Shootout at Wadala' shows

Rail traffic hit due to protests over Sajjan's acquittal

Family of 1971 POW awaits his return from Pak, fears for his life