New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a preliminary enquiry (PE) into alleged irregularities, including violation of tender rules, in the construction of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s new residence in Civil Lines, ThePrint has learnt.
According to CBI sources, the inquiry was initiated against “unknown public servants” of the Government of Delhi and some private persons. The chief minister has not been named in it.
Besides documents detailing the approved building plan and floated tenders, details of the specifications asked by the “client” have also been sought. The CBI has also asked the Public Works Department (PWD) to give details of the payments made to the contractor under several subheads.
“We have asked for certified copies of the approval of the renovation, recommendations made by PWD officers on the additions and alteration and the approved building plan. It also includes how the tenders were floated, its specifications and how the construction company was selected to renovate the residence,” one of the CBI sources said.
“Moreover, we have also sought details of what the client’s requirements were and if specific approvals were sought for the same, like exquisite flooring and artistic interiors,” the source said.
If the PE reveals a prima facie case, the CBI will then register a formal FIR and investigate it further. A PE is registered when the CBI has concrete information of misconduct by a public servant, but not enough evidence to justify registration of a case. Once there is enough material gathered after enquiry, an FIR is registered.
The CBI sources also said that they have written to the Delhi government’s PWD to provide them with relevant documents related to the construction of the new residence.
In April, Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were targeted by the opposition which claimed Rs 45 crore were spent to renovate his official residence. The Delhi BJP’s Mahila Morcha also submitted a complaint against the Delhi CM at the CBI headquarters, alleging cheating, forgery and fraud.
According to reports, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in June also conducted a special audit into the alleged administrative and financial irregularities in the renovation of the CM’s residence.
This was done after the nod from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) following a letter from Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on 24 May, pointing out “gross and prima facie financial irregularities” in the renovation, in the name of “addition or alteration”.
Saxena had directed Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to secure all relevant records, examine the records, and submit a report within 15 days.
Reacting to the development, the AAP alleged that the CBI action was part of the BJP’s efforts to stop the Arvind Kejriwal-led party from working for the people.
“The BJP has unleashed all investigation agencies at CM Kejriwal but he has the blessings of the 2-crore people of Delhi. They have registered over 50 cases against Kejriwal till now but have not found anything. Even now they will not find anything,” the AAP said in a statement.
“The BJP has used all its powers to finish AAP. The party does not want the people to get good healthcare and education facilities and this is the reason why our ministers Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia were put behind bars,” it added.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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