BJP condemns Dikshit for "insulating" Rai against CBI probe

Condemning Dikshit's action, Senior BJP leader V K Malhotra, requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take immediate action against all those officials who have been "indicted" by the Shunglu Committee which probed alleged graft in CWG projects.

Dikshit, in a letter last week, had sought Home Minister P Chidambaram's intervention to ensure that the CBI is not given permission in a "haste" to probe the role of Rai, an IAS officer of 1985 batch, in the alleged irregularities in construction of NDMC's convention Centre in Connaught Place. Rai was transferred to Goa last month.

"This is highly objectionable. The action of the Chief Minister amounts to misuse of her office," Malhotra said.

Dikshit, in her letter, noted that a number of officers had to take certain decisions bypassing laid down norms and procedures to ensure speedy implementation of the CWG projects and due care must be taken in allowing any investigation against them.

Malhotra said along with the corrupt officials, action should also be taken against their "patrons".

The CBI is currently probing alleged irregularities in a number of CWG projects and the probe agency had approached the Home Ministry in examining role of Rai in execution of NDMC's convention Centre in Connaught Place.

Describing Rai as an "upright" officer, Dikshit had said there was a need to protect the officers who worked very hard in ensuring speedy completion of the CWG projects despite various hurdles.

The Chief Minister said the officials had to take decisions considering the extraordinary situation in the run up to the CWG and government must consider this aspect before taking any decision.