Shivraj's favourites have 'benami' properties worth billions: IAS officer (Lead, Correcting throughout)

A suspended female IAS officer has written a formal complaint to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is an anti-Dalit and that his favourite officers possess 'benami' properties worth billions of rupees.

Supporting Modi's drive against black money, 'benami' properties and corruption, Dalit IAS officer Shashi Karnawat said: "Officers close to Shivraj have acquired many 'benami' properties during the years because of their status in the government and the large scale corruption happening in Madhya Pradesh."

She has written in her complaint that while the Chief Minister is protecting such officers, the Dalit officers are being mistreated. She also mentioned the instance of Dalit IAS officer Ramesh Thete being discriminated against and mistreated by Principal Secretary R.S. Julania.

In the letter, Karnawat also mentioned instances of mistreatment allegedly meted out to her. "The Chief Minister levelled false charges against me and even called his favourite officers to give false evidence. When I protested, they assured me that justice would be granted but instead suspended me from office."

Calling Chouhan 'Anti-Dalit', she wrote that due to the abuse being faced by Dalits, the BJP is being seen as an anti-Dalit party.

Karnawat also sought ordering of CBI raids and investigations into the matter of 'benami' properties in the state.

--IANS

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