M A I N   N E W S

Shunglu panel report referred to CBI
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 19
With Prime Minister Manmohan Singh referring the VK Shunglu Committee report on broadcasting issues to the CBI, the premier investigation agency will soon start a probe into it. The report had indicted suspended Prasar Bharti chief BS Lalli and Doordarshan Director General Aruna Sharma in the award of broadcasting rights of Commonwealth Games causing Rs 135 crore loss to the exchequer.

The premier investigation agency will soon start a probe into it. “We will study the report and soon set in motion the process of investigations,” CBI sources said.

Aruna Sharma, the 1982 batch Madhya Pradesh cadre IAS officer, stands relieved in her post after the PM decided to revert her to her parent cadre on the basis of the report.

A statement put out by the PMO late last night said the Prime Minister also directed the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to seek explanations from both Lalli and Sharma on the allegations made against them and recommend appropriate course of action against them within two weeks.

The ministry will have to review the claims made by M/S SIS LIVE, jointly with the Prasar Bharati and in consultations with their financial advisers, to ensure that there was no overpayment. In the event of any such revelation, the ministry has been directed to take appropriate action for recovery after seeking due legal advice.

Officials said the PM took the decision after studying the recommendations of the Shunglu Committee. He had also asked Cabinet Secretary KM Chandrasekhar to look into its recommendations. In its report, the committee has fixed the responsibility for providing “undue benefit” to M/S SIS LIVE and Zoom Communications primarily on Lalli and Sharma.