2 in dock over nod to Manpreet for construction on VB case property
The functioning of senior officials of the Bathinda Development Authority (BDA) is under the scanner. An explanation has been sought from two of them after the Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, wrote to the Secretary, Vigilance, highlighting “construction” on two plots that were VB case properties.
Ex-Minister Used political Clout
In September last year, the Vigilance Bureau registered an FIR following a probe that former Finance Minister Manpreet Badal had allegedly used his political clout to purchase two plots measuring 1,560 sq yd in Model Town, Phase 1, Bathinda, causing a financial loss to the state exchequer.
A departmental probe has been marked to ascertain the role of BDA officials in granting approval to former Finance Minister Manpreet Badal to undertake construction on the two plots.
On June 18, 2024, the BDA authorities wrote to the SSP (VB), Bathinda, seeking comments and objections, if any, and informing him that the owner had applied for an NOC for undertaking construction on the two plots, which were part of a Vigilance inquiry.
In his reply, the Bathinda SSP (VB) mentioned the FIR number and the IPC sections under which the two plots were attached. He said the “BDA can proceed with the application only as per rules”.
On August 7, 2024, the Executive Officer, BDA, wrote to the architect to approve the building plans as per PUDA regulations. The building plans for the two plots (725-C, 726 in Phase 1, Bathinda) were approved by the architect on August 12.
Documents in possession of The Tribune suggest that on September 4, 2024, the Chief Director, Vigilance, wrote to the Secretary, Vigilance.
“Now, it is learnt that the construction is in full swing on both plots. Despite these being case property under FIR No 21, dated September 24, 2023, officials of the BDA, Bathinda, without going through the legal process, passed maps and granted permission for construction. The BDA could have done that only after going through the requisite legal process. But without following the necessary legal process, it passed the maps for undertaking construction on the said plots,” reads the VB letter.
“Keeping in mind the grave allegations in the above-mentioned FIR related to collusion of officials, misuse of power and financial loss to the exchequer etc., it shall be prudent to stall any further construction on the plots in question,” read a September 11 office order by Manisha Rana, Chief Administrator, BDA, Bathinda.
“After the matter came to my notice, I have revoked the building plan approvals for the two plots. Furthermore, construction on the said plots has been suspended. Explanation has been sought from the EO, BDA, and the Law Officer concerned,” she told The Tribune.
Manpreet Badal could not be contacted for comments.
