M A I N   N E W S

Intelligence transfers hampered probe
High Court CJ writes to Punjab Governor
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 31
In a significant development, the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Mr Justice Arun B.Saharya, has stated that the transfer of Mr A.P. Bhatnagar and other “key officers” of the Intelligence Wing by the Punjab Government on June 27 “hampered the probe” being conducted by him into the involvement of certain high court Judges in the PPSC scam.

Expressed in a letter to the Punjab Governor, Lieut-Gen J.F.R. Jacob (retd), the Chief Justice’s observation reflects poorly on the state government’s action in disbanding its Intelligence Wing in the midst of the Chief Justice’s inquiry.

Coupled with the observation is a strong note of appreciation for the services rendered by Mr Bhatnagar, now ADGP (Security), in the inquiry.

Mr Bhatnagar, says that the Chief Justice, “has displayed determination, dexterity, grit and skill” in executing the task assigned to him.

While terminating Mr Bhatnagar’s attachment in view of the conclusion of the inquiry, the Chief Justice has also desired that a copy of his letter to the Governor be placed in Mr Bhatnagar’s personal file.

Significantly, while lauding Mr Bhatnagar for the “exemplary work” done by him with “complete objectivity”, the Chief Justice has voiced displeasure over the performance of the other officer attached to him during the inquiry, IG Vigilance, Mr Chander Shekhar.

While Mr Chander Shekhar started with great zeal, writes the Chief Justice, “due to internal command constraint” he became “somewhat elusive” later on.

The Director of the Vigilance Bureau, Mr A.P. Pandey, it may be mentioned, is already under a cloud for his role in obstructing the inquiry of the Chief Justice and misdirecting the investigation in the PPSC case.

Apart from Mr Bhatnagar, the IG Intelligence, Mr S.S. Saini, the DIG Mr R.P.Singh and the SP Mr S.S. Mand had also been transferred out on June 27 in what is widely perceived to be a “cover-up” exercise by the Punjab Government.