New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has ordered a Central Bureau if Investigation (CBI) probe into allegations of ‘irregularities’ in the renovation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence.
The central agency subsequently registered a preliminary inquiry into alleged “irregularities and misconduct” by unidentified public servants of Delhi government, India Today reported on Wednesday.
Delhi government’s Public Works Department has been directed to hand over all documents related to alleged irregularities to the CBI by October 3.
The preliminary inquiry will determine if the allegations have the merit to proceed with a regular FIR.
The CBI will look into all aspects of the allegations that came to light after an inquiry conducted by the Delhi Chief Secretary.
The inquiry was ordered based on a letter written by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to the CBI Director in May.
The Union Home Ministry also ordered a special audit by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in the matter.
The Aam Admi Party (AAP) said the BJP was “trying to corner” Kejriwal by deploying all investigative agencies.
“They have lodged and investigated more than 50 cases against Kejriwal but nothing has come out of it. Nothing will come out of this (CBI enquiry) also,” Delhi’s ruling party stated.
Alleging that the move was part of BJP’s efforts to stop the party from “working for the people”, AAP accused the saffron party of using all its power to “finish AAP”.
Earlier this year, there were media reports highlighting Kejriwal’s ‘extravagant’ renovation of his official residence in Delhi’s Civil Lines. The BJP wasted no time in accusing the AAP supremo of spending around Rs 45 crore on the beautification.
According to the allegations, Rs 11.30 crore was spent on interior decoration, Rs 6.02 crore on stone and marble flooring, Rs 1 ne crore on interior consultancy, Rs 2.58 crore on electrical fittings and appliances, Rs 2.85 crore on firefighting system, Rs 1.41 crore on wardrobe and accessories fitting, and Rs 1.1 crore on kitchen appliances.
Another Rs 8.11 crore was spent on the camp office of CM Kejriwal.
