New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was confident Thursday that the inquiry into alleged irregularities in the construction of his home would yield nothing, “just like the many that had come before it”.
Talking to the media, Kejriwal said this was not the first time an inquiry has been initiated against him. “This shows the Prime Minister is scared,” the politician said, whose Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is a member of the Opposition alliance INDIA.
Kejriwal claimed the central government has witch-hunted him ever since he became chief minister eight years ago. The AAP leader said the Centre had previously accused him of masterminding scams such as in the liquor (policy), in schools, and roads among others. “There have been more than 50 inquiries so far. More than 33 cases on me. They have not got anything. They will not get anything now either. I welcome this inquiry,” he added.
Earlier this week, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated a preliminary enquiry into alleged irregularities, including violation of tender rules, in the construction of Arvind Kejriwal’s new residence in Civil Lines.
The inquiry is looking into “irregularities and misconduct” by unidentified public servants of the Delhi government in connection with the construction.
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.
If the preliminary enquiry reveals a prima facie case, the CBI will then register a formal FIR and investigate further. A preliminary enquiry is registered when the CBI has concrete information of misconduct by a public servant, but not enough evidence to justify a case. Once enough material is gathered, an FIR is registered.
In a letter to the Public Works Department on Monday, CBI’s anti-corruption branch demanded information on which officials had approved and recommended the alterations made in the house, and those who had dealt with the tender documents and bids submitted by contractors.
It sought documents on the approval of building plans and those related to requests from the client for a modular kitchen, marble flooring etc.
It also asked to look into the payments made to the contractor A.K. Builders and consultants of the project.
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