RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh’s Panchayat, Rural Development and Health Minister Ajay Chandrakar, accused of acquiring huge disproportionate assets and with bank transactions of over Rs 100 crore, has called them “false allegations”. He said the Centre and the state government may seize properties and bank capital found beyond the declarations given by him in his election affidavit and I-T returns.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Chhattisgarh government to initiate appropriate action after it received complaints against Chandrakar. The complainants—former government employee Manjeet Kaur and farmer K K Sahu—had sent a “letter with evidences” to the PMO bringing up the alleged rampant corruption.
“My statements regarding my property and bank accounts are in my affidavit filed during 2013 elections and the I-T returns in 2016. Beyond that if there are any additional properties and bank details brought into being associated with me or my family, they may be confiscated by the government,” Chandrakar said.
He added he will file a civil and criminal suit against those who have levelled false allegations against him.
The complainants retorted, “Why is the Chhattisgarh minister not revealing how his assets saw a dramatic surge only after he was made minister? The Supreme Court has observed there should be investigation into the massive assets of politicians. How could he amass so much wealth through known legal sources?”
In response to the complaint, the PMO issued a directive: “As the subject matter is related to corruption and black money which concerns the ED and the state government, it is requested to take action in the matter as deemed appropriate.”
The opposition Congress has demanded Chandrakar’s resignation. “The chief minister should keep the image of his Cabinet clean. Only a fair and transparent probe will reveal the truth,” said party chief spokesperson Ramesh Warlyani.
Illegal Transactions?
Ajay Chandrakar, his kin and acquaintances are accused of being involved in transactions worth billions of rupees from 18 bank accounts