HPCA issue: CM Dhumal asserts there is no personal vendetta

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today affirmed that there is "no personal vendetta" behind the action against HPCA, led by former CM Prem Kumar Dhumal's son Anurag Thakur, in connection with the alleged cheating and damage to public property.
Virbhadra also said the probe against Dhumal's sons Anurag and Arun in a land deal in Dharamsala was also taking place as per the provisions of law.
He said the cases are part of the Congress charge-sheet against "irregularities" of previous BJP regime, which was handed over to the vigilance department for investigation.
Virbhadra questioned HPCA's wisdom impleading his as party in the case filed in the High Court to challenge the cabinet decision of October 26 to cancel lease of the cricket stadium.

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, led by Dhumal's son Anurag Thakur, is accused of demolishing a government building in Dharamsala near the international cricket stadium and encroaching of land.
Virbhadra also rubbished allegations made against him by Dhumal's younger son Arun Thakur regarding his I-T returns and "unsecured loans" of Rs 3.90 crore.

"I will not give any explanation to Dhumal's sons, but the panic in Dhumal camp after probe into irregularities committed by HPCA headed by Anurag Thakur, and action taken by the Vigilance and Anti-corruption Bureau in certain land deals of the family is surprising," he said.
"If Dhumal has done nothing wrong, he should not be scared of probes and vindicate his position and his family members should also show grace and face the enquiry," Virbhadra said.

The CM said when BJP was in power, it had initiated probe against him in Sagar Katha case and later, the controversial audio case, but he got clean chit from court in both the cases.
When asked about the PIL filed against him by Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, Virbhadra Singh said the lawyer had committed "serious" violation of law by purchasing tea estate land as the sale or change in use of land under tea estates is prohibited.
An independent inquiry is already going on in the matter and if charges are proved both the seller and buyer will be booked, Virbhadra said.