Chandigarh, April 23
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has arrested Paramjit Singh alias Pammi, one of the seven accomplices of the PPSC Chairman, Mr Ravi Sidhu.

While his interrogation is continuing, in the preliminary information he has given names of five persons, who allegedly paid money to Ravi Sidhu for their selection. Pammi is a Senator of Panjab University, Chandigarh.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr A.P. Pande, said the five named were Mr P.S. Sodhi and Mr Upinderjit Singh, promoted from Tehsildar to PCS who reportedly paid Rs 30 lakh each, three years back; Karan Singh of PCS (Judicial) who allegedly paid Rs 25 lakh, one year back; and one person identified as Bahia as SDO, who reportedly paid Rs 4 lakh five years ago.

The Bureau, he said had sent a complete dossier on the investigations, so far, to the government giving the chronology of events, disclosures, recoveries, details of assets etc. It has recommended that in view of the gravity of the allegations against Ravi Sidhu he be suspended. The allegations, which are substantiated by cogent and reliable evidence warrant his removal by following the procedure prescribed in Article 317 of the Constitution of India. The relevant procedure says a request should be made to the President of India to make reference to the Supreme Court of India for removal of Mr Ravi Sidhu as Chairman of the Commission. Once a reference is entertained by the Supreme Court, a request should be made to the Governor for suspending Mr Sidhu.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister, Capt. Amarinder Singh, today said legal opinion had been obtained and a request for removal of Mr Sidhu was being sent to the President of India through proper channel. He also said there was no move to remove other members of the Commission, as the government did not have any complaints against them.

He hinted that the next incumbent would be a "father figure" whose personal integrity was above board and who could carry all members along.

The Chief Minister said “We are not in a hurry and no names are under consideration as replacement of Ravi Sidhu’’. There is, however, a possibility to induct at least one more member.

Sources in Kasauli said Ravi Sidhu is facing contempt proceedings in the Court of Sub Judge First Class, Kasauli at Solan. The petition for contempt has been filed by the Cantonment Board, Kasauli , through the Cantonment Executive Officer, Mr C. B. Kaushal.

Kharar, April 23
Mr Roshan Lal Chouhan, Judicial Magistrate, here today remanded Paramjit Singh, alias Pammi, an accomplice of Ravi Sidhu, Chairman, PPSC, who was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Department yesterday from Chandigarh, in police custody till April 26.

Mr J.S. Punn, Public Prosector, and Mr Jora Singh Brar, DSP, Vigilance, informed the court that the accused was working as middleman for Ravi Sidhu. They alleged that the accused paid Rs 50 lakh to Ravi Sidhu for getting two relatives of P.S. Sodhi selected in the PCS and Rs 4.50 lakh for getting a brother of a Chandigarh-based doctor selected as an SDO.

They pleaded for 10-day remand for him.

The defence counsel on the other hand refuted the charges of the prosecution and said the accused was actually taken into custody by the police many days ago. They Public Prosecutor refuted the allegations and said the accused was arrested yesterday.