CBI likely to quiz former Haryana CM Hooda in industrial plot scam

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, May 23, 2016: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to call former Haryana chief minister BS Hooda for questioning in connection with the HUDA industrial plot scam.

The case dates back to 2012 when Hooda was the chairman of the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA).

Sources said the move comes after the CBI issued a notice to Hooda in this regard.

During the interrogation at the CBI headquarters, a clarification will also be sought from Hooda on the same.

Earlier on Saturday, the CBI registered cases against former HUDA officials, 13 beneficiaries and others over alleged irregularities in the allotment of industrial plots in Panchkula.

The former bureaucrats booked by the CBI in this case are DPS Nagal, the then chief administrator, HUDA, SP Kansal, the then chief financier, and BB Taneja.

The investigating agency also conducted searches at 16 locations, including Chandigarh, Panchkula, Faridabad, Delhi, Gurgaon, Karnal, Kurukshetra and Rohtak in connection with the ongoing probe.

Sources said some files were found either to be ‘missing’ or were put in proper ‘sequence’.

The industrial plots were allegedly allotted in July 2013 at throwaway prices after changes were made midway in the eligibility criteria on recommendation of a standing committee and approved by Hooda.

Haryana chief minster Manohar Lal Khattar earlier ordered that an FIR be registered by the vigilance bureau and then the matter be referred to the CBI for an independent probe.