Probe ordered into Delhi's Rs.100 crore transport scam

The Delhi government on Tuesday ordered a probe into the alleged Rs.100 crore transport scam that took place during the previous Sheila Dikshit dispensation.

"The Delhi government has decided to set up a commission of inquiry into the CNG fitness scam. The one-member panel will be headed by retired high court judge S.N. Aggarwal," Delhi Home Minister Satyendra Jain said.

Irregularities were found in awarding the contract of operation and maintenance of inspection and certification of CNG vehicles, causing a loss of Rs.100 crore to the Delhi government exchequer.

"It will be an independent probe. Every side of the multi-crore-rupee scam will be probed. The vigilance department will prepare terms of reference which will decided what aspects of the scam are to be probed," Jain said.

Asked about the lt. governor's approval for setting up of such a commission, the minister said: "The power to set up a commission of inquiry lies with the Delhi government, so there is no such need to ask for the LG's approval."

In June, the Delhi government's Anti-Corruption Branch reopened its probe into the scam.

The Aam Aadmi Party had raked up the issue in December last year and blamed the central government of being silent on the matter. Three top officials of the Sheila Dikshit government are already under the scanner in this scam.