ACB begins probe in Rs.100-crore transport scam

The Delhi government's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) on Tuesday resumed investigation in the Rs.100-crore transport scam even as the AAP asked its newly appointed chief to return back to Delhi Police.

Reacting to the move, Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung issued a statement, citing the Justice Mukul Mudgal committee's recommendations of not going for a high-level probe in the case.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government relieved Home Secretary Dharam Pal of his charge. The transfer order was sent to the Lt. Governor for his approval.

Sources said the move was taken in the wake of Pal notifying the appointment of M.K. Meena as the new ACB chief.

Jung on Monday appointed Meena as the head of the anti-graft wing. Meena, joint commissioner in Delhi Police, replaced S.S. Yadav who is additional commissioner of police.

The Aam Aadmi Party government on Tuesday asked him to return back to Delhi Police, but Meena refused.

"I am still holding charge because I have got the orders from the competent authority. We had conducted a meeting with all officers. Our action will be impartial," he said.

In 2012, the ACB had registered a case in the alleged loss of Rs.100 crore to the Delhi government in awarding the contract of operation and maintenance of inspection and certification of CNG vehicles.

However, the then Sheila Dikshit government had denied permission to the ACB when it demanded to question certain officials.

In January 2014, the CBI initiated a preliminary inquiry in the case and was assured all help by the then Aam Aadmi Party government. But after Arvind Kejriwal resigned as chief minister in February 2014, the case got stuck again.