AAP govt says ACB chief not authorised to probe anti-graft system

Delhi govt has already sought an explanation from M K Meena on launching a new anti-graft helpline

The Delhi Government questioned the authority of Centre-appointed Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) chief M K Meena, in probing charges of "favouritism" in allotment of its anti- graft helpline 1031.

"Meena is not authorised to probe such matters as he has been assigned to look after training," said a senior government official. "There is no irregularity committed by the government in the operation of ACB's anti-corruption helpline 1031, which is run by a central agency," he added. The Delhi government has already sought an explanation from Meena on launching a new anti-graft helpline. "The government will take action against him for any wrongdoing he may have committed in the ACB," he said.

The ACB has reportedly issued a notice to the government and started an investigation into the charge that the anti-graft helpline 1031 was established without following the proper tendering process.

An advocate, Subodh Jain, in his written complaint submitted to ACB on July 23, alleged that the helpline number was launched by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his secretary Rajendra Kumar, bypassing the tender process, to benefit their "favourites".

He demanded registration of cases against CM Kejriwal and other functionaries of the government for this lapse, and also for allegedly not sending complaints received on the helpline number to ACB.

Despite repeated attempts, Meena could not be reached for his comment on the issue.