ACB quizzes Jain, maybe called again
NEW DELHI, June 7 -- Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain was on Friday interrogated for nearly six hours by the Delhi government's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in connection with alleged irregularities in the construction of classrooms during the previous government's tenure.
Jain, who earlier held key portfolios of Public Works Department (PWD) and health, appeared "evasive" during the questioning and is likely to be summoned again to join the investigation, according to three ACB officials.
"We asked him 28 key questions about procedural lapses, cost escalations, and possible financial misconduct in the classroom construction drive. He gave valid responses to barely six," said one senior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Initially, he blamed the education department. When countered, he then appeared to shift responsibility to the cabinet. His responses weren't cooperative," the officer added.
Jain, talking to reporters after his questioning, called the investigation against him "politically motivated". ACB is investigating alleged violations in a project involving the construction of 12,748 semi-permanent classrooms in schools run by the then AAP government. Initially valued at Rs.860 crore, the project cost ballooned to over Rs.2,800 crore, allegedly without new tenders or adherence to standard procurement protocols.
"When questioned about the awarding of contracts at inflated rates and violations in procurement processes - reportedly to benefit contractors with AAP links - Jain deflected, repeatedly citing cabinet decisions," said a second ACB official. An FIR was registered on April 30, naming both Sisodia and Jain.
Both leaders have denied any wrongdoing in the matter....
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