CBI files chargesheet against BS Hooda, Motilal Vohra in AJL case, Congress questions timing

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday filed a chargesheet against former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Congress leader Motilal Vora in connection with the re-allotment of a plot in Panchkula to Associated Journals Limited (AJL). In the chargesheet filed against Hooda and Vohra, the CBI has claimed irregularities in the re-allotment of the institutional plot to the AJL – a company reportedly controlled by Congress leaders. The central probe agency, who credibility came under scanner after charges of corruption against its director and his deputy, alleged that the re-allotment of the plot caused the exchequer a loss of Rs 67 lakh.

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In the chargesheet, the CBI claimed that the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) had allotted a plot of land in Panchkula to AJL in 1982. However, the HUDA took back the possession of the plot after no construction work at the plot till 1992. The same plot, the CBI chargesheet alleged, was re-allotted to the AJL at its original price in 2005 by violating the laid down norms.

The CBI has booked Hooda, the then chief minister, who was also the chairman of the HUDA, the then chairman of the AJL, Vora, and the company under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections related to criminal conspiracy and the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Reacting to the development, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi questioned the timing of the CBI action and said that the government is conveniently indulging in such acts as elections are approaching.

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"As polls approach, govt indulges in such acts. Five years are about to get over, they have all powers but do they have any evidence? Their only aim is to use such tools as per convenience during polls," ANI quoted Singhvi as saying.