Cong councillors seek CBI probe

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 13

A few days after the UT Administrator received a communication from the Prime Minister’s office on a complaint made by a resident of Maloya seeking a probe in the controversial study tour of municipal councillors and officials to Chennai, Port Blair and Kolkata in September, Congress councillors have also sought a CBI probe into the incident.

The Congress councillors also demanded the resignation of BJP councillor and leader of opposition Arun Sood over the alleged involvement of his kin in organising the study tour.

In a joint press release issued today, the Congress councillors stated that the Panchkula-based travel agency, that organised the study tour, is owned by Arun Sood’s relatives.

Congress councillor Pardeep Chhabra said as the agency owner did not disclose his association with Arun Sood, it was a gross violation of norms.

When contacted, Sood said, “It was not just my relative’s company that had offered to organise the tour, several other tour and travel companies on the recommendation of other councillors tried to get the contract.”

“The owner of a travel company known to Congress councillor Pardeep Chhabra also tried to secure the contract. However, based on merit, my relative’s company was shortlisted. I did not play any role in this,” said Sood.