DDCA inquiry: Gopal Subramanium writes to NSA Doval, seeks names of competent officers

However, Subramanium did not clarify the number of officers he has asked for

Former Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium, who is heading the Commission of Inquiry probing the alleged irregularities in DDCA affairs, has written to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, seeking names of competent officers to become part of the investigation.

"I have written to him because he is the National Security Advisor. Apart from that, he is a very distinguished police officer...He is in the position to identify who are competent people in various organisations and to send names of independent police officers who can investigate meticulously," he said.

"The reason to seek his help is also his ability to judge if there is any issue relating to the security which I am very particular about in the matter as anything may come up during the investigation," he added.

The noted lawyer said that his request to Doval is part of the enquiry procedure which calls for appropriate "logistical infrastructure" before beginning the probe.

"I dont want my hindsight to feel that he (Doval) was not sufficiently addressed in the beginning as he is a person who understands the ramifications correctly and that is why I wrote to him."

"I cannot judge by my personal imagination who can be a competent person to investigate," he told a TV channel.

Subramanium further said that he is neither in the department of personnel nor in the government to know about that.

"I do not want to pick someone I know but only someone who is competent enough. This is part of any enquiry procedure that you need to have logistical infrastructure in place to beginning the probe," he added.

However, Subramanium did not clarify about the number of officers he has asked for.

Yesterday, the former Solicitor General had strongly pitched for live telecast of the proceedings to make it transparent.

Subramanium said that he has asked for names of competent officers.

"Who and how many of them are appointed to the enquiry, a decision on it will be taken once I go through their details," he said.

Formally accepting to head the Commission to probe the alleged financial irregularities and wrongdoings in the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), Subramanium had yesterday said that its formation was in tune with provisions in the Constitution, notwithstanding Lt Governor Najeeb Jung's reservations over it.

Asked about what will be his move if the enquiry panel is declared null and void by the centre, Subramanium said, "prima facie all the procedures have been followed in institution of the enquiry."

"But still if something happens or somebody overturns it, I cannot refuse. I am not here to fight or adjudge the defamation of the Constitution. I can proceed on basis of what has been granted to me and ensure that a transparent enquiry is held," he said.

The Delhi Cabinet, on December 21, approved setting up of the one-member Commission of Inquiry under Subramanium to probe alleged irregularities in DDCA.

The cricket body was headed by Union Finance Minister Jaitley for around 13 years till 2013.