Shunglu Committee only a cover-up, allege social activists

NEW DELHI - A group of social activists Friday accused the prime minister of “misleading the nation” by setting up the Shunglu Committee to probe corruption charges in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games, and demanded formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) instead.

The social activists, who include former police officer Kiran Bedi, alleged that the Shunglu Committee was “not merely an eyewash but a huge cover-up operation by the central government”.

Activist Arvind Kejriwal told reporters: “The Shunglu Committee does not have any powers to call for records from an ordinary clerk, the committee is totally powerless to enforce its directions.”

“When agencies like the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) find it difficult to get their orders implemented, how would the Shunglu Committee get its orders implemented?” he askede.

Kiran Bedi said: “The Shunglu Committee isn’t appointed under any law. Only preliminary investigation is being conducted, they don’t have any powers to summon anyone for their investigation.”

Bedi demanded that a first information report (FIR) be lodged and a Special Investigating Team (SIT) formed for a detailed investigation.

This investigative team should have police powers to prosecute people, summon witnesses, raid offices, seize records, property, and freeze assets, she said.

The activists called for all the concerned citizens to join them in filing an FIR at Parliament Street police station against the corruption in the Commonwealth Games Nov 12 at 3 p.m.

The high-level Shunglu Committee was appointed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Oct 15 to look into the allegations of corruption in Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games. It has been asked to submit its report within three months.

–Indo Asian News Service