Bhandari meets CBI chief, demands speedy probe into Chamling’s corruption charges

BJP meets Chief Secy, demands CBI investigation

Sikkim Observer Jan 8-14, 2010

By A Staff Reporter

Gangtok, Jan 7: The State Government’s reported refusal to allow the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe into charges of corruption against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and his Cabinet colleagues is proof enough that the accused are guilty and are trying to save their skin, according to former chief minister and Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) President Nar Bahadur Bhandari.

Bhandari now wants Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take the initiative and grant permission to the CBI to investigate into the corruption charges.

 “The State Government is not allowing the CBI to investigate. This proves that the Chief Minister is trying to save himself,” the former chief minister said here before leaving for Delhi to pressurize the UPA Government and the party high command to give green signal to the CBI.

On his return from Delhi on Thursday, Bhandari said he met the CBI Director, who has sent another reminder to the State Government to allow the CBI to come to Sikkim for investigation. Bhandari threatened to bring the State under President’s rule if the Chamling Government refuses to oblige the CBI.

The CBI recently approached the State Government to allow it to probe into corruption charges against Chamling and others after it found prima-facie case following its preliminary investigation.

Bhandari also appealed to Governor BP Singh to use his special power under Article 371F of the Constitution and dismiss the Chamling Government for gross economic misconduct and also to ensure free and fair investigation.

State Congress leaders approached the CBI against Chamling after the Supreme Court dismissed their petition in March 2010. The apex court directed the petitioners to approach investigating agencies with the “incriminating material.”

State Congress leaders have threatened to move the Supreme Court if the authorities are not responsive.

BJP for CBI probe

On Tuesday, the State unit of the BJP approached the Chief Secretary TT Dorji to allow the CBI to begin investigation against Chamling and others, including former ministers.

Meanwhile, the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front said corruption allegations against Chamling was “baseless.”

Defending the Chief Minister, State’s Lok Sabha MP P D Rai and former LS MP Bhim Dahal said corruption charges against members of the ruling party were “politically motivated.”