Health minister, MLAs indicted in CLU scam

CHANDIGARH: In a setback to the Congress, Lokayukta justice (retd) Pritam Pal, on Wednesday, indicted health minister Narender Singh, chief parliamentary secretary Vinod Bhayana and MLAs Jarnail Singh, Naresh Selwal and Ram Niwas Ghorela in the cash-for-change-of-land-use (CLU) certificates scam and asked police to probe the case.
Disposing of complaints filed by INLD MLAs, the Lokyukta asked additional director general of police (ADGP) V Kamraj to investigate the case and directed the minister, CPS and MLAs to appear before the investigation officer on October 22.The ADGP has also been asked to complete the probe within three months.
The Lokayukta's decision came hours after the Congress released its manifesto in Panchkula. These tainted leaders have been given Congress tickets from their respective constituencies. Their candidature also caused a rift between HPCC president Ashok Tanwar and chief minister Bhupinder Hooda, who supported them.
Narender Singh is contesting from Narnaul, Vinod Bhayana from Hansi, Ram Niwas Ghorela from Barwala, Jarnail Singh from Ratia and Naresh Selwal from Uklana constituency.
INLD leaders claimed that the decision has exposed the Congress. "Justice has been done. Now, we are looking forward to the registration of corruption cases against all these MLAs and minister,'' said INLD spokesperson RS Chaudhary. Abhay Singh Chautala, one of the complainants and senior INLD leader, sought cancellation of their candidature as well. Last September, INLD released a CD in which the five leaders were shown seeking money for issuance of CLU certificates for agricultural land.