Atishi files report on plaint against Delhi's chief secy

Vigilance minister Atishi on Tuesday submitted a preliminary probe report to chief minister Arvind Kejriwal over alleged irregularities in land acquisition for the Dwarka expressway, and said that the probe found Delhi chief secretary Naresh Kumar benefited a company linked to his son with over ₹850 crore of "illicit profits".

- Alok KN Mishra

In the 670-page report, the minister recommended the suspension of the chief secretary and divisional commissioner Ashwani Kumar so that they do not influence the probe along with an investigation into the case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), according to officials familiar with the matter.

Officials said the report also suggested a reference should be made to the Enforcement Directorate because there is a "possibility" of the alleged offences attracting the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, and said a seizure of files related to the issue could be considered to prevent any tampering or destruction of evidence.

"A clear nexus has been found between Naresh Kumar, his son. Karan Chauhan and the beneficiary landowners who were provided a windfall gain of Rs 897.1 crores at the cost of public exchequer... a detailed report will be submitted to the CM within one week," Atishi said in the report.