Sand mine expose: Capt orders judicial probe

Chandigarh, May 29

Days after The Tribune expose of the successful bidding of sand mines by the employees of Power and Irrigation Minister Rana Gurjit Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today ordered setting up of a one-man judicial commission to probe the allegations of impropriety against the Minister in the multi-crore sand mining auctions.

The inquiry would be conducted by retired Justice JS Narang and he would submit his report within a month. The terms of reference for the commission, formed under the Commission of Inquiry Act, would be notified soon.

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Though being seen in political circles as a feeble attempt to borrow time, the Congress feels it would blunt the Opposition move to corner the treasury benches during the ensuing Budget session.  The CMO said though the Minister had offered to resign for a free and fair investigation, the CM asked Rana to continue till the outcome of the judicial probe.

Sources said the orders for a probe came after the CM reviewed the facts of the case.

Amid growing pressure within the Congress for asking the Minister to step down on moral grounds, party MLAs feel there was a direct conflict of interest as Rana was also heading the irrigation department. Capt Amarinder said he would take all steps to ensure that there is no violation of the trust reposed by the people in his government and the Congress.

Meanwhile, Rana Gurjit Singh said he had full faith in the judicial process and he would come out clean. — TNS